MGT9049M Research Design Research Report 1 (up to 1000 words)

The first assignment is a research report, based on an analysis of qualitative data which accounts for 50% of the total marks for the research design module. Your task is to conduct one in-depth interview, transcribe a sample of your recordings and reflect on the process of collecting data this way. The aims of the assignment are: to familiarise you with the use of a qualitative method for both data production and data analysis. to develop your research interviewing and transcription skills to promote reflection on the process of doing qualitative research. The depth or unstructured interview is more associated with the ethnographic style of research where the content and flow of the interview is more in the hands of the interviewee. The aim here is to uncover the interviewees perspective (their definition of the situation) on being an international student in England in his or her own words. It is preferable to make contact with someone you dont know well; though a useful approach may be to seek someone who is known to someone you know. You will have to use your initiative to find a person who will be willing to talk to you about being an international student. Give yourself plenty of time to set up the interview. Having made contact, you will only have to explain what the interview is about and arrange a time and date. The interview should take place at a location where the interviewee feels comfortable but also where you are safe. The lectures will provide some guidance but University guidance on lone working can be found at
https://portal.lincoln.ac.uk/C1/hs/Health Safety Handbook/S, Lone working policy and Guidance v1-5.doc. Set aside at least up to 2 hours for the

interviewing; alternatively consider using an initial brief interview, to be followed by a more in-depth one. Although the interview is called unstructured there does need to be some structure to the interview. Do not prepare specific questions beforehand, but you must lead your interviewee into the topic gently without putting words into his or her mouth; so you should have a schedule which indicates possible topics of conversation. The atmosphere should be relaxed allowing your interviewee to talk in detail about events important to him or her. Your role is to keep the interview flowing and on-course and respond to their conversation appropriately with follow-up questions and comments. You want rich, descriptive details of their experiences and perspectives. There are three stages to this assignment: 1) Data production: Each student to conduct their own unstructured interview with a relevant participant.

The interview must be tape recorded - this must be kept safe and made available to the tutor if requested. You should be able to use your mp3 player, computer or a recorder to complete this task. Loan audio/video equipment is under the supervision of Media Loans, Ground Floor, MHT building; equipment is limited so book early! Ethical guidelines are emphasised and you should ensure that they follow these. Your report should include a 500 word account of the method used. Academic references should indicate how your approach was informed by background reading on qualitative interviewing..

2) Transcription: Students need to familiarise themselves with the script of the resulting interview. They should listen to the tape several times to work out which parts of the conversation are most relevant; The assignment must include a transcript of those relevant parts of the interview; which MUST demonstrate the use of transcription techniques. This should be around 300 words. 3) Written reflection Students need to write a short evaluation (200 words) of the interview they conducted. This should include lessons learnt. Whilst you can relate to the known strengths and weaknesses of the technique, this should be a reflection on the process of your own interview and outcomes.

Assignment Format
The structure of the report should be as follows: Method (500 words approx.) - 40% of the marks Reflection (200 words approx.) - 20% Sample transcript (300 words) 30% References failure to use the Harvard system will incur penalties! 10%

The report should be submitted electronically (via Blackboard) as ONE document; so as to detect any attempted plagiarism.

References
Bryman A & Bell E (2007) Business Research Methods 2 Edition Oxford University Press
nd

Denzin N & Lincoln Y (2005) The SAGE handbook of Qualitative Research London: Sage Eriksson, P & Kovalainen, A (2008) Qualitative Methods in Business Research London, Sage Finn M, Elliott-White M P & Walton M (2000) Tourism and Leisure Research Methods London:Pearson Goodson, L. and Phillimore, J. (eds.)(2004) Qualitative Research in

Tourism: Ontologies, Epistemologies and Methodologies. London: Routledge Gummesson E (1991) Qualitative Methods in Management Research London: Sage. Marschan,-Piekarit, R & Welch, C, (2005) Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods for International Business London: Edward Elgar. Mason, J. (2002) Qualitative Researching. London: Sage Saunders, M et al (2006) Research Methods for Business Students London: Financial Times/Prentice Hall Silverman, D. (2001) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing talk, text and interaction. London: Sage Silverman, D (2000) Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook London: Sage

Generic Marking Criteria

Overall result Distinction 70%+ Marking Criteria Excellent work that will: o display a full understanding of area of research and mastery of a significant body of data o use full range of sources, used selectively to support argument o provide a coherent and strong argument o display originality in analysis and subtlety of interpretation o be exceptionally well written and presented o present the possibility of publication. High quality throughout with an excellent understanding of the subject. Showing insight and potential for publication with some revisions. Exceptional insight and of publishable quality. The work will: o display effective use of main materials, going beyond the standard secondary sources o present coherent and concise argument of complex concepts o present independent and critical evaluation of a range of theories o show some evidence of originality o be written and presented to good academic standards. Well developed argument and evaluation. Approaching excellence in some areas. The work will: o display a sound knowledge of principal materials relevant to area of study o present a logical structure, though this may not be fully thought through o display some capacity to critically reflect or analyse o be unlikely to show evidence of originality o be presented and written to adequate academic standards. Generally accurate and sound understanding of area of study. Approached good pass standard in several areas.

70-79% 80-89% 90%+ Good Pass 60-69%

60-64% 65-69% Pass 50-59%

50-54% 55-59%

Fail <50%

40-49% 30-39% <30%

Many of the basic materials will be present but the work will be lacking in other areas, such as, key information sources and content which will be limited unsophisticated use of key sources o poorly structured and sustained argument displaying limited knowledge o conceptual understanding, as exemplified in critical evaluation is poor. defects in presentation Overall knowledge limited and poorly presented. Very poor knowledge of subject and weak understanding of issues. Deeply flawed, containing fundamental mistakes.