Assessment ID/CIPD_7CO04_23_01
Assessment ID/CIPD_7CO04_23_01
Business research in people practice
LEARNER INSTRUCTIONS
The guidance has been developed to enable you to evidence achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for 7CO04 Business research in people practice.
Each of the learning outcomes (LO) and the assessment criteria (AC) for the business report must gain a pass outcome for you to successfully achieve the unit.
Preparation for the business report
Before you begin the report please access and complete the topic essential videos, activities, and the assessment guide video available via your MOL virtual learning environment (VLE).
Completing the assessment
The assessment must be presented as a business report following the suggested report structure.
Refer to the generic grade descriptor grid at the end of the report which outlines the requirements.
Evidence must be provided in the main body of the report document. Appendices must be included; however, these will not be marked or moderated (with the exception of the Reflective Statement), although they may be reviewed by your assessor.
The business report must be completed in a professional manner (eg applying business conventions for writing formal reports) and by using this learner submission template Microsoft Word document.
Your learner submission template must be saved as a Word document (.doc or .docx) and not in a PDF format, unless another format is requested within the brief, eg PowerPoint.
Harvard referencing must be used to ensure the original source(s) of quotations or models can be verified. If you make reference to any organisational materials that are not in the public domain, extracts of these MUST be provided in the appendices.
learner information
Please write clearly in block capitals.
Centre number MOL 531
Learner CIPD membership number Learner surname Learner other names Unit code and title 7CO04 Business research in people practice
Assessment ID CIPD_7CO04_23_01
Assessment start date To be completed by centre
Assessment submission date To be completed by centre
First Assessment re-submission date for centre marking (if applicable) To be completed by centre
Second Assessment re-submission date for centre marking (if applicable) To be completed by centre
Declared word count Assessor name Assessor signature IQA name (if applicable) IQA signature (if applicable) DECLARATION OF AUTHENTICATION
Declaration by the learner (this box must be signednot typedor your assessment will not be accepted)
Learner name Learner statement of authenticity I can confirm that this assessment is all my own work and, where I have used materials from other sources, they have been properly acknowledged.
Standardisation I am aware my assessment may be chosen for standardisation purposes on the understanding that the content will be anonymised.
Signed Date Declaration by the centre
Centre statement of authenticity On behalf of the centre, I confirm that the above mentioned learner is registered at the centre on a CIPD programme of study.
I confirm that
the learners work was conducted under the conditions laid out by the assessment brief
I am satisfied that, to the best of my knowledge, the work produced is solely that of the learner
Name Janet Brown Role Quality Manager
Signed Date GUIDELINE WORD COUNT and expectations
You will prepare a business research report of 4,000 words. The total word count for the business report will therefore be 4,000 words +/- 10%. The bibliography or list of references is not included in the total word count.
You must demonstrate within the submitted evidence (through headings and sub-headings) which learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been covered. CIPD will be unable to moderate your work if this is not included.
As this is a Level 7 Diploma, it is important that you are able to demonstrate not only good knowledge and understanding of the material associated with each learning outcome, but also the ability to develop an original argument and justify it persuasively with reference to wider reading. Examples of approaches taken in a range of organisations are also an effective means by which to justify your arguments.
The FOUR main criteria that CIPD requires centres to use when marking the business report are outlined below.
Appropriateness of terms of reference (ToR), quality of literature review and focus of research questions.
Depth of understanding and justification of chosen research methods, and degree to which ethical issues are addressed.
Quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and ability to explain the findings.
Extent to which conclusions, recommendations and action plan are business-focused and credible, and quality of reflective analysis.
business research in people practice
This unit contains the components to enable a systematic approach to define, design and undertake a business research project in people practice. It focuses on developing the ability to produce an integrated report based on evidence and to include own recommendations and critical reflection.
task
Business research report
You are required to address all twelve assessment criteria. Grading of your business report will be done at learning outcome level; however, it is imperative that in this, all assessment criteria are integrated into the final report.
It requires a skill set which encompasses the following.
An understating of theory and practice.
The ability to plan a project and undertake background reading necessary to identify and specify research objectives.
Analytical skills to write targeted questions and analyse answers from respondents.
Insights necessary to produce cost-effective and workable recommendations.
Communication skills to present the material in a relatively short report.
A willingness to review learning so as to take away lessons for the future.
Your report addresses the four LOs in an integrated way and draws upon different areas of people practice depending on your choice of topic.
LO1 Be able to plan a people practice business research project aimed at adding organisational value.
LO2 Be able to justify the most appropriate research methods to collect data for the chosen project.
LO3 Be able to analyse data to make decisions and provide business and people management insights.
LO4 Be able to propose recommendations based on conclusions derived from the research and analysis.
Your report must be structured as follows (as a minimum)
Table of Contents
Context Overview
Introduction and Literature Review LO1
Research Methodology LO2
Findings and Analysis LO3
Conclusions and Recommendations LO4
Appendices (including among others):
References List and Bibliography
Reflective Statement
Research Data
Project Gantt Chart, and
Action Plan incl. Cost Benefit Analysis, accountabilities, risk assessment, etc
Your report must consist of
a business research report (4,000 words +/- 10%)
INSERT YOUR ANSWER IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW.
(Please provide your word count at the end of the key segments.)
Table of contents
Use the space below to provide your reports table of contents.
Context Overview
Use the space below to provide a brief overview of the nature and context of the organisation you are referring to approximately 300 words.
Introduction AND Literature Review (LO1)
Use the space below for the first part of your report approximately 1000 words.
Research Methodology (LO2)
Use the space below for the second part of your report approximately 1000 words.
Findings AND ANALYSIS (LO3)
Use the space below for the third part of your report approximately 1000 words.
Conclusions AND recommendations (LO4)
Use the space below for the fourth part of your report approximately 1000 words.
Reference List
Use the space below for a list of the resources that you cited within this report.
Bibliography
Use the space below for a list of the resources that you cited and consulted in designing this report.
Appendices Reflective Statement
Use the space below for your reflective statement underpinned by a reflective practice model approximately 300 words.
Appendices Research Data
Use the space below to provide evidence of primary research data.
Appendices Project Gantt Chart
Use the space below to provide a copy of your projects timeline.
Appendices Action Plan
Use the space below to provide an action plan for your recommendations to include costs, risks, accountabilities, benefit analysis, etc
Appendices any additional information
Use the space below any additional information relevant to your report which is not in the public domain and cannot be referenced above.
TO BE COMPLETED BY THE TUTOR/ASSESSOR Learner name Date Centre name MOL
Overall assessment result Total Mark Refer/Pass/Merit/Distinction
(Please delete as appropriate) Assessment marksheet
LO1 Be able to plan a people practice business research project aimed at adding organisational value.
LO2 Be able to justify the most appropriate research methods to collect data for the chosen project.
LO3 Be able to analyse data to make decisions and provide business and people management insights.
LO4 Be able to propose recommendations based on conclusions derived from the research and analysis.
Learning Outcome (LO) Assessment Criteria (AC) Mark per LO (1-4)
LO1 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Feedback:
Development points:
Learning Outcome (LO) Assessment Criteria (AC) Mark per LO (1-4)
LO2 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Feedback:
Development points:
Learning Outcome (LO) Assessment Criteria (AC) Mark per LO (1-4)
LO3 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 Feedback:
Development points:
Learning Outcome (LO) Assessment Criteria (AC) Mark per LO (1-4)
LO4 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Feedback:
Development points:
(Please ensure you comment on word count and referencing)
Word count:
Referencing:
referrals
If you receive a Refer grade for your assessment, you will have one week to resubmit from the date that you receive your feedback.
Please ensure you amend sections of your assessment where you have been awarded a Grade 1 (Refer), taking into account your tutor feedback and remain within the allocated word count. Any text added to the original submission MUST be in a different colour, so the new text appears like this. This clearly shows what was in the original submission and what has been added. In the event that you want to remove part of your original submission, we ask this is indicated using the strikethrough key so the text to be removed appears like this. Please do not use tracked changes as these are not accepted by the CIPD.
Before you resubmit your assessment, please ensure you refer back to the Topic Essentials, Assessment briefing webinar or the Assessment guide video, and the learner resource zone, as these will support you with any changes needed to achieve a pass grade. You can contact your Support Tutor via the VLE for further assessment guidance if needed or email the team at cipdsupport@mollearn.com, who will be able to respond to any administrative questions.
You must fully address all parts of the tutor feedback, where you have received a Grade 1 (Refer) before you upload your resubmission to the VLE.
Marking guidelines
You will receive a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Refer/Fail result at unit level. Assessors will provide a mark from 1 to 4 for each learning outcome in the unit.
The generic grade descriptor grid is provided here as guidance. This will provide you with feedback that is developmental.
To pass the unit report you must achieve a 2 (Pass) or above for each of the learning outcomes.
Generic grade descriptors for 7CO04 REFER/FAIL / 1 PASS / 2 MERIT / 3 DISTINCTION / 4
Appropriateness of terms of reference (ToR), quality of literature review and focus of research questions Inappropriate ToR, inadequate literature review and poorly focused research questions Satisfactory ToR, acceptable and relevant literature review and sufficiently focused research questions Good ToR, good and well-targeted literature review and well-focused research questions Excellent ToR, very good and extremely well-targeted literature review and excellent research questions
Depth of understanding and justification of chosen research methods, and degree to which ethical issues are addressed Inadequate understanding and justification of research methods used, and little awareness of ethical issues Satisfactory understanding and justification of research methods used, and acceptable awareness of ethical issues Good understanding and justification of research methods used, and strong awareness of ethical issues Excellent understanding and justification of research methods used, and very strong awareness of ethical issues
Quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and ability to explain the findings Inadequate quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and failure to explain the findings effectively Satisfactory quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with satisfactory explanation of the findings High quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with strong explanation of the findings Excellent quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with excellent explanation of the findings
Extent to which conclusions, recommendations and action plan are business-focused and credible, and quality of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan lack business focus and credibility, with poor quality of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan are sufficiently business-focused and credible, with acceptable reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan are clearly business-focused and credible, with good level of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan show very strong business focus and credibility, with excellent level of reflective analysis
Marking guidelines (CONTINUED)
The overall mark achieved will dictate the grade you receive for the unit, provided NONE of the learning outcomes have been referred.
MARKING GRID
Overall mark Unit result
0 to 7 Refer/Fail
8 or 9 Pass
10 to 13 Merit
14 to 16 Distinction
7CO04 Business research in people practice
Learner Assessment Brief
Assessment ID / CIPD_7CO04_23_01
5848985343217529070307810555429153138170522986028314653276325609374
-671195-73922580003175Advanced Diploma in
Strategic People Management
Strategic Learning and Development
Version 1 Released June 2023
Expires June 2024
Study Centre information only: moderation window is September 2024
0Advanced Diploma in
Strategic People Management
Strategic Learning and Development
Version 1 Released June 2023
Expires June 2024
Study Centre information only: moderation window is September 2024
-1401981062836
Introduction
Researching and writing business reports is a key skill that will be important throughout your career. The process of identifying research problems, developing and deploying methods to collect relevant data, and the ability to work with that data in order to identify trends and patterns is crucial to the ongoing success and development of organisations. The purpose of this unit is to enable you to develop your knowledge of research skills within the human resource management domain, and to build your ability to produce persuasive business reports. The research that you produce will address a business problem by developing a set of business-focused recommendations to address this identified issue.
In order to successfully complete this unit, you need to display a skill set which encompasses the following:
An understanding of theory and practice.
The ability to plan a project and undertake necessary background reading to identify and specify research objectives.
Analytical skills to write targeted questions and analyse answers from respondents.
Insights necessary to produce cost-effective and workable recommendations.
Communication skills to present the material in a relatively short report.
A willingness to review learning so as to take away lessons for the future.
For this assessment you are required to write a report which addresses the four learning outcomes in an integrated way and draws upon different areas of people practice depending on your choice of topic. Answering the assessment criteria one at a time will not enable achievement of the learning outcomes on its own. The final submission for this unit must be in the form of a business report, rather than answers to the assessment criteria one by one.
As with other units, the length of the project report is 4000 words +/- 10% allowance. The bibliography/other sources are not included in the overall total, nor are essential appendices. These will not be marked but they can be used to support the project though these must be kept to a minimum. In practice this means that approximately 1000 words (+/- 10%) should be allocated to addressing each learning outcome (LO), although it is recognised that research projects will be very diverse and therefore some variation in this is permitted depending on the requirements of your independent research project.
Assessment is undertaken at the level of each learning outcome, which means a mark is awarded within a grade for each of the four LOs rather than for each AC.
The business research project
The following section provides advice and guidance about the construction of the business research report. As noted in the previous section, it is important that the final submission is presented as a coherent business report, rather than a set of answers to each of the assessment criteria.
right508000LO1 Be able to plan a people practice business research project aimed at adding organisational value.
Assessment Criteria
1.1 Justify terms of reference for the business project
1.2 Critically analyse key publications and other evidence to underpin the research questions
1.3 Develop a range of questions aimed at addressing the projects main focus and outcomes
Guidance
In order to meet the assessment criteria listed above, you need to:
Write the introduction and terms of reference for the research project
The introduction should provide some background to the organisation and explain the business problem being addressed. This is followed by the terms of reference, which should include the projects aim and research objectives. This section should also explore the resources required for its completion in terms of broad costs and support, and the deadline date for submission. These must be precise, manageable and achievable in the time allowed. It is a good idea to use a GANTT chart which shows a clear timeline for each stage of the project this can be attached as an appendix (please note this is not included in the word count).
Write a literature review which critically discusses published work relevant to the research aim/terms of reference
This requires an analysis of published material and reputable online sources relating to your terms of reference and provides the underpinning support for the research questions. Sources may include:
Textbooks on HR/L&D and relevant papers in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Practitioner-oriented publications and reputable online websites, which offer a more practical treatment of the topics addressed in the project. These include: CIPD reports and surveys, government publications, material from employer organisations/trade unions and independent think-tanks in the country where the research is undertaken.
Any other source which provides data on specialist areas of people practice.
You are strongly advised to keep notes of key material when compiling your literature review. It is critical that you explore ideas by searching different publications, engaging with the arguments and analysing the literature so it is presented in a clear and concise way in line with both the terms of reference and the research questions.
Develop a set of research questions (qualitative research) or hypotheses (quantitative research) that the research project will seek to address
Following the compilation of a literature review, you need to draw on both the terms of reference and the literature review to identify one or more research questions to guide the remainder of your project. These can alternatively be in the form of hypotheses if you are using quantitative data.
Example
For a project on employee engagement, plenty of publications are available, so it is crucial that the most pertinent material is used. It is best to start with the recommended reading set out in the CIPD Advanced Diploma unit on Strategic Employment Relations 7HR01. It is important to critically analyse material from several sources to get a definition of the topic. You should also look at alternative views on employee engagement (critical reviews as well as the celebratory literature).
Once the terms of reference have been devised, a literature search will identify useful journal articles and specialist, practitioner publications. In the UK and Ireland, good sources would include CIPD, Engage for Success, the Involvement and Participation Association, ACAS and People Management.
Examples of potential research questions could include some of the following options (or others as appropriate).
RQ1: How can employee engagement be tailored to align with the strategy and business context in the organisation under review?
RQ2: Which employment practices and processes need to be introduced and/or developed so the organisation and its employees benefit from employee engagement?
-8763024765000
LO2 Be able to justify the most appropriate research methods to collect data for the chosen project.
Assessment Criteria
2.1 Assess differences between primary and secondary data, including the value of different research methods
2.2 Justify the most appropriate research methods to support the projects intended outcomes
2.3 Critically assess the ethical issues surrounding data collection, usage and storage for the project
Guidance
In order to meet the assessment criteria listed above, you need to produce a methodology section for the proposed project which gives consideration to:
Research approaches and research designs
You should be able to discuss the differences between different types of data available to you and different methodologies that could be deployed within research projects, defending the research design decisions that you have made.
Primary data is material you collect yourself, either individually or in a team. It is important to pilot the questions to be used in an interview, focus group or survey to make sure they are appropriate.
Secondary data is material collected by someone else, either as part of an internal survey in the same or another organisation, or published data sets such as in the CIPD research reports or from the Office for National Statistics. Both types of data can be used in your BRPP report, but it is crucial that you do not over-stretch yourself here.
Data collection and analysis methods
Quantitative methods such as surveys can provide greater validity because there are typically more respondents, but questions must be unambiguous and simple to answer in order to have confidence in the findings.
Qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups and participant observation provide more in-depth findings and allow for more nuanced explanations. However, respondents must be able to answer questions fully and with relevant knowledge for example, regarding their own experience of an induction programme. Sample composition and methods of sample selection are key. Data from different categories of respondents is useful to check on accuracy or understand alternative perspectives on an issue.
If appropriate, both types of methods, and/or both primary and secondary data, can be used together. It is however essential that the project includes the collection of some primary data.
Research ethics
When exploring the issue of research ethics, people professionals are expected to display ethical practice, particularly if they are collecting data on other people. Ethical issues arise at several stages in the project, and some guidance can be found in the CIPDs 2019 publication Ethics at Work: an employers guide. Key issues relate to: respondents signing an ethical approval form if data is collected from them, reassurance of anonymity within the report, a commitment not to share personal data without agreement, secure data storage provisions.
Example
In order to review the effectiveness of existing employee well-being policies and practices in an organisation, a mix of primary and secondary data could be used. Plenty of material is available from the CIPD unit Well-being at Work, the CIPD Health and Wellbeing Report (2022), government agencies, employer organisations and trade unions.
Some also include case studies on different types of organisations, which can allow your organisation to benchmark against other firms in the same sector or size band.
Drawing on this, you could then set up interviews/focus groups or a short survey of a limited number of staff at your own organisation. The key point is to think creatively about the most appropriate way to collect data which fits with your organisations needs and the terms of reference.
right762000LO3 Be able to analyse data to make decisions and provide business and people management insights.
Assessment Criteria
3.1 Appraise the costs of different approaches to data collection and analysis for the project
3.2 Design an appropriate strategy for analysing, organising and interpreting data collected from research
3.3 Present the findings of the business project clearly and logically and aimed towards the intended audience
Guidance
In order to meet the assessment criteria listed above, you need to produce:
A critical discussion which explores the relative costs of different approaches to data collection and analysis (this may be included within the methodology or the findings section)
For any business research it is important that the cost implications are taken into consideration. You will need to consider the costs associated with your research methods, plus the alternative data collection methods that you considered but discarded.
When it comes to considering costs, apart from your own time, costs for the BRPP project are unlikely to be high because you will do most, if not all, of the data collection.
Some studies might require the use of Zoom, Microsoft Teams or other digital technologies which are free or require a subscription. While most surveys are now done online, there might be costs for printing surveys if this is not possible.
A findings section which sets out and interprets the trends or patterns within the collected data
In the production of the findings section, you need to be able to demonstrate how data has been analysed, organised and interpreted.
If questionnaires are comprised principally of questions with fixed-choice answers, you will need to tally responses and then interpret the results. 5-point Likert scales are used regularly for this purpose as they are quite adaptable, and it might be possible to compare results with another survey. Stronger submissions will likely include some form of more advanced statistical analysis, perhaps using packages such as SPSS.
If qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews or focus groups have been used, there might need to be amendments to the original analytical framework if new ideas emerge which capture nuances and greater complexity in peoples mindsets.
A discussion section which relates the findings to the existing literature base (literature may be drawn from both the literature review section itself or additional sources as required)
An analysis of the findings from primary research should relate to the initial research questions or hypotheses, plus comparing and contrasting your findings with those identified by the literature, cross referencing to the original sources reviewed.
Findings should be organised so they relate back to the research questions or hypotheses that were outlined earlier in the report. It is important not to drift into areas which are marginal to your main argument. When discussing the key trends and patterns the learner should relate the key findings back to the literature base this is particularly important if the results do not fit with the original hypotheses or research questions. In such cases they should be discussed openly in a way which both engages the audience and encourages discussion.
Example
An organisation with which you are familiar is investigating whether to set up new overseas operations in one of two countries, and you have been asked to focus on (a) legal regulations covering employment and (b) the quality of leadership programmes in these countries.
A decision has been made to use semi-structured interviews with employer organisations, professional bodies and University Business Schools in these countries to understand more about their national cultures and the resources available for employers.
These interviews revolve around key areas that require more information, so it is appropriate to collect data from a small number of highly knowledgeable people in each country.
Template analysis or thematic analysis would be appropriate for this task as it can be used to design a coding protocol where ideas are organised into categories. This allows for relevant areas of employment law and the quality of local leadership programmes to be assessed for the study. It is a great way to organise, analyse and interpret data, and should enable you to produce a clear and concise report.
right952500LO4 Be able to propose recommendations based on conclusions derived from the research and analysis.
Assessment Criteria
4.1 Justify conclusions derived from analysis of key findings, which align to the terms of reference
4.2 Propose business-focused recommendations, action points and a cost-benefit analysis
4.3 Evaluate the success of the project, including ways in which to improve future project design and delivery
Guidance
In order to meet the assessment criteria listed above, you need to produce a conclusion section to the business project which contains the following:
Answers to the original research questions (or hypotheses) which show how the business project has addressed the terms of reference
This should summarise the research by drawing the main threads from the secondary research (literature) and primary research.
This conclusion to the report needs to be concise, clear and accurate, and show how the answers to the research questions (or hypotheses) were derived from the data and that key messages are understood.
Being able to communicate in an engaging way is necessary to reassure sponsors that the data is accurate, the conclusions add value and there is little or no risk to the organisations reputation and performance.
Recommendations that flow from the findings of the research, including an action plan and cost-benefit analysis
The recommendations from the report must be in the form of a set of practical strategic actions the organisation is recommended to implement to address the initial project aim and suggestions for further investigation as necessary.
The recommendations should be supported by an operational implementation plan and a strategic cost-benefit analysis aimed at the decision makers.
The identification of costs is not simple, so relatively easy-to-measure costs such as loss of production, levels of absence, costs of recruitment and selection and/or training are typically used. However, it is also important to consider costs that are more difficult to measure for example, a poor organisational reputation for inclusion and diversity can easily put off potential applicants. To create a persuasive business report, it is important to highlight the potential business impact, so, for example, any cost savings and/or an increase in revenue that could be associated with the recommendations.
Please note the action plan and cost-benefit analysis are excluded from the word count.
A reflection on the process of researching and writing the business report, with consideration given to own continuing professional development.
Before putting the report away, it is important to take a step back and reflect on whether or not, and in what way, the project could have been improved. For example, were the timescales in the GANTT chart appropriate, how could the literature search have been improved, were any questions unclear to respondents or could the recommendations have been presented more effectively to senior management?
If it is decided nothing could have been improved, it is likely that self-reflection has not been deep enough. Learning theory should be used to underpin your reflective analysis; see readings in this unit, as well as the Advanced Diploma learning and development units.
Please note your reflection is excluded from the word count.
Example
Quantitative data on the impact of a training course on the performance of supermarket checkout staff provides strong evidence that women, younger people and those with prior experience of similar work are better at this task than other people.
This might lead to a conclusion that these groups should be targeted in future recruitment. However, there are clear ethical, practical and legal reasons why this might not be an appropriate way to proceed.
The conclusions and recommendations from the project need to recognise these issues, as should the self-reflection, in order for you to demonstrate your ability to think carefully and creatively when investigating issues. This applies particularly to some elements of data analytics, where you need to take great care in choosing which metrics to use.
right8890Your evidence must consist of
a business report of 4000 words (+/- 10%). Refer to CIPD word count policy
Please note that the following are excluded from the word count:
Reference page and bibliography
Essential appendices
Action plan
Cost/benefit analysis
Reflection
00Your evidence must consist of
a business report of 4000 words (+/- 10%). Refer to CIPD word count policy
Please note that the following are excluded from the word count:
Reference page and bibliography
Essential appendices
Action plan
Cost/benefit analysis
Reflection
Marking grid
Learners will receive a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Refer/Fail result at unit level.
Assessors must provide a mark from 1 to 4 for each learning outcome in the unit. Assessors should use the generic grade descriptor grid as guidance so they can provide comprehensive feedback that is developmental for learners.
To pass the unit assessment learners must achieve a 2 (Pass) or above for each of the learning outcomes.
The overall mark achieved will dictate the grade the learner receives for the unit, provided NONE of the learning outcomes have been failed or referred.
Overall mark Unit result
0 to 7 Refer / Fail
8 or 9 Pass
10 to 13 Merit
14 to 16 Distinction
Generic grade descriptors for 7CO04 REFER/FAIL / 1 PASS / 2 MERIT / 3 DISTINCTION / 4
Appropriateness of terms of reference (ToR), quality of literature review and focus of research questions Inappropriate ToR, inadequate literature review and poorly focused research questions Satisfactory ToR, acceptable and relevant literature review and sufficiently focused research questions Good ToR, good and well-targeted literature review and well-focused research questions Excellent ToR, very good and extremely well-targeted literature review and excellent research questions
Depth of understanding and justification of chosen research methods, and degree to which ethical issues are addressed Inadequate understanding and justification of research methods used, and little awareness of ethical issues Satisfactory understanding and justification of research methods used, and acceptable awareness of ethical issues Good understanding and justification of research methods used, and strong awareness of ethical issues Excellent understanding and justification of research methods used, and very strong awareness of ethical issues
Quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and ability to explain the findings Inadequate quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, and failure to explain the findings effectively Satisfactory quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with satisfactory explanation of the findings High quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with strong explanation of the findings Excellent quality of data collection, analysis and interpretation, with excellent explanation of the findings
Extent to which conclusions, recommendations and action plan are business-focused and credible, and quality of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan lack business focus and credibility, with poor quality of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan are sufficiently business-focused and credible, with acceptable reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan are clearly business-focused and credible, with good level of reflective analysis Conclusions, recommendations and action plan show very strong business focus and credibility, with excellent level of reflective analysis
Aim Need for Human Resource overhaul and Geographical equity in Service Area of WHO SEARO
Research questions What are the ways present in which geographical equity can be achieved in the service departments of WHO?
What are the transformations the Organization should bring in the human resource management policies in service departments within WHO SEARO?
How can WHO attract qualified and suitable workforce by considering the equity, diversity and inclusion in WHO SEARO?
What are the ways in which diversity can be managed in the workforce present within WHO SEARO?
Proposed research method (1) The research can also be conducted through the primary data, i.e. survey.
Rationale The primary data can be collected from the HR personnel within WHO SEARO. There are some benefits present of conducting primary data which can help the researcher to accomplish the objectives. The most important benefit is that as the data is collected directly from the participants, the data can be considered as more reliable. Secondly, analysing the data collected through the primary research is easier compared to secondary data. As the research highlights the HR issues present in the policies of UN, conducting primary research can help to identify the issues clearly through the perspectives of the participants and the recommendations can also be provided appropriately.
Sampling The sampling method in this research can be stratified sampling. The HR personnel of UN with a minimum of five years of working experience with the organization can participate in the research. The total number of sample will be 40.
Analysis approach The analysis of the data can be carried out through SPSS. SPSS statistical tool can help to analyse the data perfectly
Proposed research method (2) The research can be best conducted with the help of the secondary research.
Rationale There are a number of reasons present behind choosing secondary research. Firstly, as the activities of WHO are widespread, it might be difficult to conduct the primary research. Secondly, conducting primary research is time consuming and there are some limitations involved as well of travelling. But, in case of conducting the secondary research, the process is much easier and it will help to identify the accurate data needed to complete the research. The research will help UN to utilize the new age talent and also, help them to find out the appropriate solutions to the HR problems being faced by them. For this purpose, the secondary data will be appropriate.
Sampling As the above research method is secondary research, the process of sampling is not applicable.
Analysis approach The analysis can be carried out through thematic analysis method. The thematic analysis can be conducted by identifying some themes from the secondary data and analysing them on the basis of the objectives of the research.
Ethical issues There are a number of potential ethical issues present which might be considered in the research. First of all, the names and real identities of the participants will be kept secret and it will not be revealed anywhere during the research or after completion of the research. A consent form will be signed by the participants before the research starts. The consent form will provide the details of the different activities to be carried out in the research and the ways in which the research will help. At the same time, the participants are free to withdraw their participation in case they find anything unethical in the research.
Identified limitations and risk/mitigation measures There are some limitations present of the research. First of all, the research is limited to the context of WHO, and their activities. All of the issues or the challenges highlighted in terms of the HR overhaul and geographical equity are for UN and conducting the similar research in the context of other organizations might provide different result. So, the result of the research is not applicable in the context of other organizations.
Questions and advice sought Advice needed on selecting appropriate research method.
Methodology and analysis template
