Student

Workbook
September 2023

7003LBSMGT: Managing Business Research 1

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1
 1. Welcome to Managing Business Research 1

Hello and welcome to MBR 1.

This module provides an opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of topics related to
business and management studies and to develop their academic and professional skills to Master’s
level and beyond. It also aims to stimulate your curiosity about yourself and the world around you
so that learning will become a life-long habit.

The module is delivered through a series of online activities, live online sessions and tutor led group-
sessions in the traditional classroom. The content of the module is divided into two areas: Essential
and Recommended. You should attend all the sessions and complete all the activities associated
with the Essential content to meet the learning outcomes of the module. We also strongly
recommend that you engage with all the Recommended content so that you can enhance your skills
and thus improve your performance on your chosen programme.

The suite of MSc Management programmes is unique in the University in that there is an asymmetry
in the number of credits in Semester 1 and 2, so you have 50 credits in semester 1 and 70 credits in
semester 2. This lower number of credits in semester 1 allows students more time to accustom
themselves to Mater’s level study and to engage with opportunities provided in the Recommended
content of this module to develop the academic and professional skills required to be successful on
the programmes. The Programme Team recognise that students joining our programmes have a
range of different educational backgrounds and experiences and this programme structure allows us
to ensure that all students can reach their full potential.

This is a 10-credit module so there are one hundred hours of study associated with the Essential
content, 78 hours of which are for self-study. There are another 20 hours of study associated with
the Recommended content, 14 of which are for self-study. That means you should aim to spend
approximately 8 hours per week of self-study time on this module.

The module also provides the foundation for Managing Business Research 2 (semester 2) and your
research project (semester 3). By extending your knowledge of topics related to business and
management, the module aims to stimulate ideas for your choice of topic at dissertation. You will
also develop the key information and research skills that will underpin your research planning in
Managing Business Research 2 and the implementation of this plan when you undertake your
research project.

This workbook has been designed to enable you to manage your studies more easily. It includes an
overview of the module, key assessment information and key activities which we will discuss in class.
However, it does NOT contain all the materials you need for the module, they are all available on
Canvas.

Confucius, the Chinese philosopher born around 550 BC said:

‘Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?’

We hope you will enjoy studying and practising on this and all the modules on your programme.

Dr Amanda Mason (Module Leader)

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Contents
1. Welcome to Managing Business Research 1 .................................................................................. 2
2. Week 2 - Introduction to the Module ............................................................................................. 5
2.1 How to use this workbook ............................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Activity Checklist ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Preparation for Classroom Discussion .......................................................................................... 5
2.3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.3.2 Activity ................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Week 3 – Accessing Quality News Media ....................................................................................... 6
3.1 Activity Checklist ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ........................................................................................... 7
Week 4 – Accessing Key Statistical and Market Data ............................................................................. 8
4.1 Activity Checklist ........................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ........................................................................................... 8
5. Week 5 – Selecting a Topic for your Dissertation/Project .............................................................. 9
5.1 Activity Checklist ........................................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ......................................................................................... 10
6. Week 6 – Effective Reading of Journal Articles............................................................................. 11
6.1 Activity Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ......................................................................................... 11
7. Week 7 – The Literature Review ................................................................................................... 12
7.1 Activity Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 12
7.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ......................................................................................... 12
8. Week 8 – Building a Search Strategy ............................................................................................ 14
8.1 Activity Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 14
8.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ......................................................................................... 14
9. Week 9 – Selecting Articles for Review............................................................................................. 14
9.1 Activity Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 14
9.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ......................................................................................... 15
10. Week 10 – Synthesis of Sources ............................................................................................... 16
10.1 Activity Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 16
10.2 Preparation for classroom discussion ....................................................................................... 16
11. Weeks 11 and 12 - Assessment....................................................................................................... 17
11.1 Preparation for drop-in sessions............................................................................................... 17
Appendix I – Assessment Criteria and Descriptors ............................................................................... 19
Section 1............................................................................................................................................ 19

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 Section 2 ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Section 3............................................................................................................................................ 21
Appendix II – Module Overview............................................................................................................ 23

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 2. Week 2 - Introduction to the Module

2.1 How to use this workbook

Each week you will see a check list of essential and recommended activities as they appear on
Canvas. Work through the activities step by step and tick them off as you complete them. Each
week there is a section entitled ‘Preparation for classroom discussion’. This will appear in the
workbook so that you can make notes, and then bring them to class.

2.2 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

2.1 Introduction to the Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
module
2.2 How to do well on Read information on 5 minutes ☐
this module Canvas
2.3 Listening to Listen to podcast and 1 hour ☐
Podcasts make notes
2.4 Approach to Watch video and 30 minutes ☐
Communication make notes
2.5 Preparation for Making preparatory 15 minutes ☐
classroom discussion’ notes
2.6 The essentials of Reading 1 hour ☐
academic writing Quiz
2.7 Active listening Reading 20 minutes ☐
2.8 Evidence in Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
academic writing

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 8th October.

2.3 Preparation for Classroom Discussion

2.3.1 Introduction
This module is called ‘Managing Business Research 1’. So, what do we mean by the word ‘research’?
The phrase ‘doing research’ may mean different things to different people. This week in class you
will be sharing your previous experience of doing research and we will be considering how you can
build on this previous experience at Master’s level. As postgraduates, you will have completed some
form of research in your undergraduate studies. If you have work experience, you may have
conducted some research as part of your work role. To prepare for the class discussion, you need to
complete the following activity and make notes here in your workbook.

2.3.2 Activity
Consider one previous experience of doing research. Make notes on the following questions:

What was the purpose of the research? What did you want to find out?

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 What steps did you take in carrying out the research?

Did you do the research alone or did you work in a team?

How did you present the findings of the research? For example, did you have to produce an essay,
report, dissertation, presentation? How many words did you write? Or how long was the
presentation?

What aspect of the research did you find most difficult? What aspect did you enjoy the most?
What aspect did you feel most confident in?

We will be discussing the above in class on Tuesday 3rd October.

3. Week 3 – Accessing Quality News Media

3.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

3.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 3
3.2 Accessing FT.com Watch Panopto 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
presentations.
Browse FT
Read an article
3.3 Harvard Writing references 30 minutes to 1.5 ☐
Referencing System Quiz hours
3.4 Searching Factiva Watch Panopto 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
presentation
Searching Factiva

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 3.5 Accessing the Searching the 15 minutes ☐
Economist and electronic library
Pressreader
3.6 Preparation for Preparing notes 1 hour ☐
classroom discussion Reading assessment
brief

3.7 Improving your Reading 1-3 hours ☐

memory
3.8 Collecting Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
evidence for academic
assignments
3.9 Dealing with Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
misinformation and Listening to a podcast
fake news

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 15th October.

3.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 10th October, we will be discussing the podcast activity from week 2(section 2.3). Make
sure you complete your notes below.

Name of podcast and topic of episode:

The date the episode was first broadcast:

The key issues discussed in the programme:

The backgrounds/roles of the key contributors (e.g. were they academics, business leaders,
politicians?)

The most interesting/surprising thing you learned

We will also begin discussing the assessment. Make sure you have read the assessment brief. Write
a list of questions you have about the assessment in the box

Assessment Questions

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Week 4 – Accessing Key Statistical and Market Data

4.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

4.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 4
4.2 Accessing key Watch Panopto 1 to 2 hours ☐
statistics resources presentation
Searching Databases
A-Z in electronic
library
Quiz
4.3 Accessing Market Watch Panopto 30 minutes to 1.5 ☐
Reports presentation hours
Searching Databases
in electronic library
Quiz
4.4 Time-management Writing a project plan 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐

4.5 Referencing Writing a reference 15 minutes ☐

for a market report
4.6 Preparation for Reading and note- 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
classroom discussion making

4.7 Group work Reading and reflection 1 hour ☐

4.8 Avoiding Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
plagiarism
4.9 Recognising your Reading and reflection 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
strengths and
weaknesses

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 22nd October.

4.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

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On Tuesday 17th October, we will be discussing an article you have selected and read based on last
week’s activities. Select an article from either the Financial Times or another quality UK newspaper
related to business and management and make notes in the following box.

Reference for article (use Harvard Referencing system):

Title of article:

Reason for selecting the article:

One sentence summary in your own words:

List of other key points covered in article:

Have you got any ideas for a topic for section 1 of the assessment? Write them down here.

Then complete the quiz entitled Week 4- Section 1 of the Assessment

5. Week 5 – Selecting a Topic for your Dissertation/Project

5.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

5.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 5
5.2 Accessing IBIS Watch Panopto 1 to 2 hours ☐
World and Passport presentation
GMID Searching Databases
A-Z in electronic
library
Quiz
5.3 Academic Integrity Online Tutorial 30 minutes to 1.5 ☐
hours
5.4 Preparation for Reading sample 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
classroom discussion dissertations and
note-making

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 5.5 Assessment Panopto presentation 1 to 3 hours ☐
Begin section 1 of the
assessment
5.6 Efficient reading Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
strategies Quiz

5.7 Making use of the Reading and note- 10 minutes ☐

Academic making
Achievement module

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 29th October.

5.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 24th October we will be begin discussing the selection of suitable dissertation topics.
We will also be looking at exemplars of previous students’ work in relation to section 1 of the
assessment. To prepare for this session, make sure you have familiarised yourself with the
assessment criteria and descriptors for section 1 (see assessment details on Canvas), and completed
activity 5.4.2, making notes in the table below.

Project Organisation / Region Key trends Management

Industry / Sector concepts /
approaches
Hayley

Madeleine

Daniel

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 6. Week 6 – Effective Reading of Journal Articles

6.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

6.1 Introduction to Reading 5 to 10 minutes ☐

week 6

6.2 Find a journal Searching Library 10 to 20 minutes ☐

article in the e-library Discover

6.3 Effective reading Reading and note- 1 to 2 hours ☐

and note-making making

6.4 Preparation for Developing ideas for 1 to 2 hours ☐

classroom discussion section 2 of the
assessment

6.5 Using your Creating folders on 1 to 2 hours ☐

OneDrive your OneDrive

6.6 Understanding Reading 10 to 20 minutes ☐

volume and issue
numbers

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 5th November.

6.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 31st October we will be begin discussing the selection of suitable topics for section 2 of
the assessment. We will also be referring back to work you did last week making notes on the
introduction chapters of the 3 sample projects. Make sure you have completed that (5.2 above) and
completed the activity in the following box.

Referring to activity 6.4.2 on Canvas, note down some ideas for potential section 2 topics:

Referring to activity 5.7 on Canvas, note down one strategy you think might help you improve
your motivation read:

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 7. Week 7 – The Literature Review

7.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

7.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 7
7.2 The literature Reading and note- ☐
review making
7.3 Identifying types Reading 15 minutes ☐
of journal articles
7.4 Preparation for Reading 30 minutes ☐
classroom discussion
7.5 Assessment Complete sections 1 15 minutes ☐
and 2
7.6 Critical Writing Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
7.7 Summarising a Writing a summary 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
primary study from notes
7.8 reflecting on types Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
of evidence

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 12th November.

7.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 7th November, we will be discussing your finding from reading Kelly (2009). Make sure
you have completed the tables below based on activity 6.3.2.1 on Canvas AND activity 7.2 from
Canvas.

Full reference for Kelly (2009):

Notes from abstract:

Essentials Content

Purpose of the study

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 Sample

Method used for collecting data

Results

Notes from methodology section:

Information Notes

Research Question(s)

Sample

Data collection procedures

Data analysis procedures

3 key/interesting/surprising findings:

1.

2.

3.

Literature Review – key concepts/theories:

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 8. Week 8 – Building a Search Strategy

8.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

8.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 8
8.2 Doing a systematic Online Tutorial 1 hour ☐
literature review, Quiz
building a search
strategy
8.3 Searching Business Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
Source Ultimate
8.4 Preparation for Note-making 20 t0 30 minutes ☐
classroom discussion
8.5 Assessment Getting started on 1 to 3 hours ☐
section 3
8.6 Types of literature Reading 30 minutes to 2 hours ☐
review
8.7 Using your Reading 30 minutes to 1 hour ☐
evidence

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 19th November.

8.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 14th November, we will be discussing the key findings and literature review from Kelly
(2009). Make sure you have completed the notes on the findings and literature review (7.2) above.

9. Week 9 – Selecting Articles for Review

9.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

9.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 9
9.2 Selecting articles Reading 30 minutes ☐
9.3 Searching ABI Panopto presentation 30 minutes ☐
Inform
9.4 Preparation for Building a search 20 t0 30 minutes ☐
classroom discussion strategy, searching the
databases

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 9.5 Wellbeing Reading 1 hour ☐
9.6 Presentation skills Reading and online 30 minutes to 2 hours ☐
materials

All the activities above should be completed by Sunday 26th November.

9.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 21st November, we will be discussing your experience of searching the databases and
considering the overall process of a systematic review. Make notes below on your search strategy
and results so far based on the activities in section 9.4 on Canvas. This is an opportunity to get
formative feedback on your work so far.

RQ:

Search strategy (including limits):

Database searched:

Number of results?

Relevance of results:

Reflection:

In section 7.8.2 on Canvas, you were asked to identify Coonan’s four-step plan for collecting
evidence for assessments: Surveying, Sifting, Sharpening and Shortlisting. Try to match the stages
of the systematic review process to each of the four steps:

Surveying:
Sifting:
Sharpening:
Shortlisting:

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 10. Week 10 – Synthesis of Sources

10.1 Activity Checklist

Section Activities Duration Completed

10.1 Introduction to Reading 5-10 minutes ☐
week 10
10.2 Synthesising Reading 30 minutes ☐
information
10.3 Assessment Reading and writing 3 to 6 hours ☐
Panopto presentation
10.4 Preparation for Reading and note- 30 minutes ☐
classroom discussion making
10.5 Critical thinking Reading 1 hour ☐

10.2 Preparation for classroom discussion

On Tuesday 29th November we will be discussing inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as synthesis.
Make sure you complete both activities in section 10.4 on Canvas and make notes below.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

(i) In my example, I decided to include experimental studies and survey studies. Which type of
study do you think would best answer my research question and why?

(ii) Would a cross-sectional study or a longitudinal study be better at answering my research

question? Why? (If you are not sure what these terms mean, look them up. Remember, we are
trying to encourage you to become independent learners.)

(iii) What type of journal articles would you include to answer my research question? Would you
include literature reviews and opinion papers?

(iv) Can you answer the above questions for your own research question?

Synthesis:

a. What do ALL of the studies reported have in common? What research question are they all
trying to answer?

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 b. Broadly speaking, what does the evidence from these studies suggest?

c. Do any of the studies have contrasting findings?

d. How could the extract be improved in terms of synthesis of findings?

e. How could the extract be improved in terms of criticality?

11. Weeks 11 and 12 - Assessment

11.1 Preparation for drop-in sessions

If you would like help with your assessment, come prepared with notes on your search strategy,
results, inclusion/exclusion criteria.

RQ:

Search strategy:

Limits:

Number of results from Business Source Ultimate:

Number of relevant results from Business Source Ultimate

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Appendix I – Assessment Criteria and Descriptors
Section 1
Bad Fail <40 % Fail 40% -49% Pass 50% -59% Merit 60%-69% Distinction 70%- Outstanding 80% +
79%
Selection of suitable Topic not current Potentially suitable Potentially suitable Suitable topic selected. Suitable topic selected. Suitable topic selected.
topic and business news story. topic selected but ideas topic selected but some Most ideas relevant and All ideas relevant and All ideas relevant and
organisation of Ideas not relevant not relevant and/or ideas not relevant and / most ideas logically logically organised. organised highly
relevant ideas and/or poorly poorly organised or poorly organised. organised. effectively.
organised.
Use of appropriate, Little if any use of Insufficient use of Most ideas/statements Most statements/ideas All statements/ideas An impressive number
sufficient, and appropriate and current current and appropriate supported with supported with current supported with current of appropriate and
current sources with sources. sources. appropriate and current and references. All in- and appropriate current sources. All in-
accurate in-text No attempt to include Not all ideas supported references. text citations provided references. All in-text text citations provided
citations in-text citations. with references and / or Some sources are accurately. citations provided accurately.
those included do not inappropriate and/or accurately.
use the appropriate not current. May have
format. some minor in-text
citation errors.
Academic writing Clear evidence of using Insufficient attempt to Some attempt to write Good attempt to write Clearly written in Clearly and fluently
including appropriate other people’s words write in own words. in own words but in own words. Little student’s own words. written in student’s own
use of AI tools rather than own and/or Evidence that student evidence that some evidence of plagiarism. Appropriate academic words.
use of AI tool without has ‘lifted’ complete sections are too close to Appropriate academic style used throughout. Fluent academic style.
acknowledgement. sentences and/or used the original source. style used throughout Accurate use of English. A pleasure to read.
Language too informal AI tools without Informal language or with minor exceptions. Sophisticated use of AI Accurate use of English.
and/ or too much use of acknowledgement. journalese present. Generally accurate use with suitable Sophisticated use of AI
journalese. Language insufficiently Some errors in use of of vocabulary, grammar, acknowledgement and with suitable
Very poor use of English academic in style. English (e.g. vocabulary, spelling and evidence. acknowledgement and
(e.g. vocabulary, Many errors in use of grammar, spelling and punctuation, with only evidence.
grammar, spelling and English (e.g. vocabulary, punctuation). minor errors.
punctuation). grammar, spelling and Some acknowledgement Appropriate use of AI
punctuation). of use of AI but may lack with suitable
criticality and/or acknowledgement and
insufficient evidence. evidence.
Accurate list of No or insufficient Some references Reference list matches Reference list matches Reference list matches Reference list matches
references appropriate references provided but not listed in-text citations. All in-text citations. All in-text citations. All in-text citations. All
provided. alphabetically and/or references listed references listed references listed references listed
other serious errors or alphabetically. Some alphabetically and alphabetically and alphabetically and

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 References provided but omissions. References references contain accurately. Some accurately. One or two accurately. All
not at end of this do not match in-text errors in content. references may have minor inconsistencies in references formatted
section. citations. inconsistencies in formatting. consistently.
formatting.
Mark Awarded 0-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16+
out of 20:
Section 2
Bad Fail <40 % Fail 40% -49% Pass 50% -59% Merit 60%-69% Distinction 70%- Outstanding 80% +
79%
Selection of suitable Topic not appropriate. Potentially suitable Potentially suitable Suitable topic selected. Suitable topic selected. Suitable topic selected.
topic and Ideas not relevant topic selected but ideas topic selected but some Most ideas relevant and All ideas relevant and All ideas relevant and
organisation of and/or poorly not relevant and/or ideas not relevant and / most ideas logically logically organised. organised highly
relevant ideas organised. poorly organised or poorly organised. organised. effectively.
Use of appropriate, Little if any use of Insufficient use of Most ideas/statements Most statements/ideas All statements/ideas An impressive number
sufficient, and appropriate and current current and appropriate supported with supported with current supported with current of appropriate and
current sources with sources. sources such as industry appropriate and current and appropriate and appropriate current sources. All in-
accurate in-text No attempt to include reports and statistical references. references. Most in-text references. All in-text text citations provided
citations in-text citations. sources. More use could have citations provided citations provided accurately.
Not all ideas supported been made of industry accurately with only accurately.
with references and / or reports and statistical minor errors.
those included do not sources.
use the appropriate May have in-text
format. citation errors.
Academic writing Clear evidence of using Insufficient attempt to Some attempt to write Good attempt to write Clearly written in Clearly and fluently
including appropriate other people’s words write in own words. in own words but in own words. Little student’s own words. written in student’s own
use of AI tools rather than own and/or Evidence that student evidence that some evidence of plagiarism. Appropriate academic words.
use of AI tool without has ‘lifted’ complete sections are too close to Appropriate academic style used throughout. Fluent academic style.
acknowledgement. sentences and/or used the original source. style used throughout Accurate use of A pleasure to read.
Language too informal AI tools without Informal language or with minor exceptions. vocabulary, grammar, Accurate use of
and/ or too much use of acknowledgement. business jargon present. Generally accurate use spelling, and vocabulary, grammar,
jargon. Language insufficiently Some errors in use of of English. punctuation spelling, and
Very poor use of English academic in style. English (e.g. vocabulary, Appropriate use of AI throughout. punctuation.
(e.g. vocabulary, Many errors in use of grammar, spelling and with suitable Sophisticated use of AI Sophisticated use of AI
grammar, spelling and English (e.g. vocabulary, punctuation). acknowledgement and with suitable with suitable
punctuation). grammar, spelling and Some acknowledgement evidence. acknowledgement and acknowledgement and
punctuation). of use of AI but may lack evidence. evidence.
criticality and/or
insufficient evidence.

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 Accurate list of No or insufficient Some references Reference list matches Reference list matches Reference list matches Reference list matches
references references provided. provided but not listed in-text citations. All in-text citations. All in-text citations. All in-text citations. All
alphabetically and/or references listed references listed references listed references listed
other serious errors or alphabetically. Some alphabetically and alphabetically and alphabetically and
omissions. May not references contain accurately. Some accurately. One or two accurately. All
match in-text citations. errors in content. references may have minor inconsistencies in references formatted
inconsistencies in formatting. consistently.
formatting.
Mark Awarded 0-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16+
out of 20:

Section 3
Bad Fail <40 Fail 40-49 Pass 50-59 Merit 60-69 Distinction 70-79 Outstanding 80 +
60 marks
Search strategy No or inadequate Inadequate Some attempt to explain Good attempt to explain Clear explanation of Clear explanation of
development and explanation of search presentation and/or development process development process strategy development strategy development
presentation strategy development explanation of search and rationale. Search and provide rationale. with a strong rationale. with a strong rationale.
process. strategy development strategy presented but Clearly presented in Strategy clearly Clearly presented in
Search strategy not process. This section may be unclear, or have sufficient detail. presented in sufficient sufficient detail.
presented. may be too vague and serious issues with May have some issues in detail. Demonstrated highly
potentially written by an effectiveness. effectiveness. Demonstrated sophisticated approach
AI tool or third party. Demonstrates sufficient Demonstrates good sophisticated approach and understanding.
Demonstrates understanding of understanding of to searching at Master’s
insufficient searching at Master’s searching at Master’s level.
understanding of level. level.
searching at Master’s
level.
Database search No evidence of No evidence of Appropriate database Appropriate database Two appropriate Two appropriate
appropriate database appropriate database searched using strategy searched using strategy databases searched databases searched
search. search. demonstrated above. demonstrated above. using strategy using strategy
No or insufficient Search strategy in Search results and/or Search results and/or demonstrated above, demonstrated above,
explanation of initial databases does not selection process may selection process and results and process and results and process
selection process. match strategy lack some details. reasonably clear. presented very clearly. skilfully presented.
presented above.
Search results and/or
selection process lacked
sufficient detail/clarity.

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Exclusion/Inclusion Not addressed. Included but Included and some Most criteria All criteria appropriate All criteria appropriate
criteria inappropriate and / or attempt at explanation appropriate with and clearly and and clearly and
poor understanding but some overlap with adequate explanation concisely explained. concisely explained.
demonstrated. No search limits. No overlap with search High-level of
different from search limits. understanding
limits. demonstrated.
Method overall Very poor use of Language not Generally written in Written in appropriate Written very clearly in Written in a clear and
English. sufficiently academic. appropriate academic academic style with few appropriate academic fluent academic style
Written in various style but with some inaccuracies. Generally style with only very with no inaccuracies..
different styles. inaccuracies and lack of coherent. minor inaccuracies.
Many errors in use of coherence at times. Coherent throughout.
English.
Lack of coherence.
Findings No attempt to Very weak or little Some attempt to report Findings reported and Synthesised and Synthesised and
synthesise findings. attempt to synthesise and synthesise finding in synthesised reasonably presented extremely presented extremely
Cannot be assessed as findings. an appropriate effectively in an effectively. effectively.
methodology above Difficult to assess as academic style. Most appropriate academic All ideas supported with All ideas supported with
unclear. methodology unclear. ideas supported with style. All ideas accurate citations and accurate citations and
No evidence provided of No or insufficient accurate citations and supported with accurate references. references.
articles selected. evidence provided of references although citations and references Deep understanding of Highly sophisticated
articles selected and may include some although may be minor research demonstrated. approach and/or
note-making process. errors. errors. Strong evidence of understanding.
Notes may be ‘copy and Some understanding of Good understanding of critical thinking from Strong evidence from
paste’ only. research demonstrated. research demonstrated. note-making template. note-making template
Some silmilarity Good evidence of Evidence provided of of synthesis process.
between note-making critical thinking from articles selected. Evidence provided of
template and synthesis. note-making template articles selected.
Some attempt to make of synthesis process.
notes in own words. Evidence provided of
Evidence provided of articles selected.
articles selected.
Conclusion Cannot be assessed as Difficult to assess as Some attempt to Followed logically from Followed logically from Followed logically from
methodology above methodology/previous conclude based on the findings. Was in the findings and was in the findings and was in
unclear. section unclear. Weak findings but relation to question. relation to question. relation to question.
No attempt to conclude. attempt to conclude, understanding not well Demonstrated Demonstrated high level
not in relation to demonstrated and / or understanding of of understanding of
question and/or lacking conclusion not in complexity of research. complexity of research.
understanding of issues. relation to question.

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Evidence of No or Insufficient Insufficent evidence Some acknoweldgement Appropriate use of AI Sophisticated use of AI Sophisticated use of AI
appropriate use of AI evidence of use of AI but may lack with suitable with suitable with suitable
tools criticality and/or acknowledgement and acknowledgement and acknowledgement and
insufficient evidence. evidence. evidence. evidence.
Mark Awarded 0-24 25-29 30-35 36-41 42-47 48-60
out of 60:

Final Mark (%):

Appendix II – Module Overview

Weeks Essential Tuesday Classroom Recommended Recommended Key reading Quizzes (Q) and
beg Asynchronous Activities Discussion Live Teams Asynchronous Key Assessment
Session Activities Points
25th 1 1.1 Introduction to the Sedgley, chapter 1
Sep Module Sedgley, chapter 3,
1.2 Introductory reading pages 32-41
1.3 Where to get help
and support at LJMU
2nd 2 2.1 Introduction to Week What is research? None 2.7 Active Listening Sedgley, chapter 6 The Essentials of
Oct 2 2.8 Critically Coonan, part 1, Academic Writing
2.2 How to do well on evaluating evidence pages 1-14 (Q)
this module 2.9 Learning a new
2.3 Listening to podcasts language
2.4 Communication on
the programme

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 2.5 Preparation for
classroom discussion
2.6 The essentials of
academic writing

9th Oct 3 3.1 Introduction to Week Discussing podcasts None 3.7 Improving your Sedgley, chapter 7 Referencing News
3 Focus on assessment memory Sedgley, chapter 4, Reports and
3.2 Accessing the FT (section1) 3.8 Collecting pages 53-72. Podcasts (Q)
3.3 Harvard Referencing evidence for your Coonan, part 3,
System (news articles and assignments pages 41-67
podcasts) 3.9 Dealing with Coonan, chapter
3.4 Accessing and misinformation and 20, pages 94-99
searching Factiva fake news Egege, chapter 6,
3.5 Accessing the
Economist
3.6 Preparation for class
discussion

16th 4 4.1 Introduction to Week Sharing findings from None 4.7 Reflecting on Sedgley, chapter Fashion &
Oct 4 news reports group work 10, Sustainability (Q)
4.2 Accessing key Focus on assessment 4.8 Avoiding Sedgley chapter 7, Social Media
statistics (section1) Plagiarism pages 115-124, Usage Worldwide
4.3 Accessing market 4.9 Recognising your Sedgley, chapter 2, 2023 (Q)
reports strengths and particularly p22 Official Statistics
4.4 Time Management weaknesses (Q)
4.5 Referencing
government and industry
reports
4.6 Preparation for class
discussion

24
23rd 5 5.1 Introduction to Week Selecting a topic for Critical 5.6 Efficient Reading Sedgley chapter 5 Efficient Reading
Oct 5 your comparison of Strategies Strategies (Q)
5.2 Accessing IBIS World dissertation/research media and 5.7 Making use of Academic
and Passport GMID project academic the academic Misconduct –
5.3 Understanding Focus on assessment sources achievement ‘You be the judge’
Academic Misconduct (section 1 exemplars) module (Q)
5.4 Preparation for class
discussion
5.5 Assessment: how to
get a good mark for
section 1

30th 6 6.1 Introduction to Week Focus on assessment Note-making 6.5 Organising your Kelly (2009) Kelly, (2009) (Q)
Oct 6 (section 2) and OneDrive Aim to complete
6.2 Finding a journal Motivation for summarising 6.6 Understanding section 1
article in the E-library Reading journal volume and
6.3 Effective and efficient issue numbers
reading of journal articles
6.4 Preparation for class
discussion

6th 7 7.1 Introduction to Week Focus on assessment Business report 7.6 Critical writing Sedgley chapter 8 Types of Journal
Nov 7 (section 2 exemplars) writing 7.7 Summarising the Coonan, part 2, Articles (Q)
7.2 The literature review Discussing Kelly findings of a primary pages 15-41 Evaluating Types
7.3 Types of journal (2009) study of Evidence (Q)
article 7.8 Reflecting on Summarising
7.4 Preparation for class and evaluating types Primary Studies
discussion of evidence (Q)
7.5 Assessment Aim to complete
section 2

25
13th 8 8.1 Introduction to Week Discussing Kelly Creating 8.6 Types of Saunders, chapter Advanced
Nov 8 (2009) – focus on the automatic literature review 3 Searching (Q)
8.2 Doing a systematic literature review contents pages 8.7 Using your Jesson et al, pages
literature review, building using Styles in Evidence 9-25
a search strategy Word Coonan, part 4, 68-
8.3 Searching Business 84.
Source Complete
8.4 Preparation for class
discussion
8.5 Begin section 3 of
assessment
20th 9 9.1 Introduction to Week Focus on assessment Building 9.5 Improving your Hughes, chapter 3
Nov 9 (section 3) confidence in wellbeing Sedgley, chapter 12
9.2 Selecting articles for presentation 9.6 Presentation
review skills skills
9.3 Searching ABI/Inform
9.4 Preparation for class
discussion
27th 10 10.1 Introduction to Focus on assessment Critical Thinking 10.5 Critical thinking Egege, chapter 7 Aim to complete
Nov Week 10 (section 3) section 3
10.2 Synthesising
information
10.3.1 Assessment - How
to get a good mark for
section 3
10.3.2 How to access and
make use of feedback on
Canvas
10.4 Preparation for class
discussion
4th 11 Assessment Q & A Assessment Q & A None - assessment
Dec

26
11th 12 Assessment Q & A Assessment Q & A None - assessment Final assessment
Dec due 1pm
Thursday 14th
December

27