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Business research methods: writing professional reports

303LON and 308LON. Business research methods: writing professional reports. Unit: 7. Module Learning Outcomes. On completion of this module you will be able to: Work independently within an organisation, demonstrating initiative and commitment

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Business research methods: writing professional reports

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  1. 303LON and 308LON Business research methods: writing professional reports Unit: 7

  2. Module Learning Outcomes On completion of this module you will be able to: • Work independently within an organisation, demonstrating initiative and commitment • Review the literature relating to a business issue • Analyse valid and reliable evidence to draw sound business conclusions • Write a coherent project report communicating a solution or response to the business issue • Reflect on your working practices in relation to your Personal Development Plan

  3. Module Overview: 303LON and 308LON

  4. Unit Learning Outcomes On completion of this unit you will be able to: • Identify the purpose of each section in a project report • Appraise the required content and style of writing to present your project clearly and concisely to your audience • Assess your own writing style and techniques in relation the expected output of your research, reflecting the needs of your audiences

  5. Business Skills: Project Stages Source: Cameron (2009: 378)

  6. Stages of Research – Up to Unit 8

  7. Business Skills: Project Reports

  8. Business Skills: Project Reports Source: Saunders et al (2009: 531)

  9. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports Abstract (200 Words) • What were my research questions and why were they important? • How did I go about answering the research questions? • What did I find out in response to these questions? • What conclusions can be drawn? Source: Saunders et al (2009: 532-33)

  10. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction Introduction • Background to the area under investigation • Description of the context of the research • Description of the organisation(s) • Explain why this area is worth studying • Clearly outline the research aims and and a clear statement of research objectives/questions Source: Saunders et al (2009: 533-34)

  11. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction • Literature review Literature review • Set your study in the broader context of our understanding of the business issue being investigated • Show how your study contributes to existing knowledge on the topic Source: Saunders et al (2009: 534)

  12. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction • Literature review • Method Method Areas to cover include: • Research setting • Consideration of ethics • Participants involved in your research • Materials or methods used to gather data • How valid and reliable your procedures really were? Source: Saunders et al (2009: 535)

  13. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction • Literature review • Method Results • ‘What I found out’ • Report of the findings your research discovered • Support of the findings with illustrations from your research, such as tables, diagrams or quotes from participants • Does not include any interpretation Source: Saunders et al (2009: 535-36) • Results

  14. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction • Literature review • Method Discussion • ‘What I can interpret from what I found out’ • How do the findings relate to the research aim and objectives/questions? • What is the meaning of my findings for: • Me • My Organisation • For professional practice • What are the strengths and limitations of the investigation? Source: Saunders et al (2009: 536-37) • Results • Discussion

  15. Abstract Business Skills: Professional Reports • Introduction • Literature review • Method Conclusions • Did the research meet the aims of your project? • Did the research answer each of your research questions? • What are the key findings? • What are your conclusions about the overall research process? • Where should further research be focused? Source: Saunders et al (2009: 536-37) • Results • Discussion • Conclusions

  16. Reflective Diary: Suggested Structure Evidenced by specific examples from your Learning Log

  17. Business Skills: Reflective Diary For 303LON Workplace Module Students • Reflective Diary accounts for 40% of the total mark • Submitted as a separate report in Moodle For 308LON Work-Based Module Students • Reflective Diary is assessed within the Project Report, which together account for 100% of the total mark. • Submitted with the Research Investigation as one document in Moodle.

  18. Business Skills: Professional Reports 3 Key Stages to Writing Your Report

  19. Business Skills: Professional Writing • Writing is a creative process and a powerful way to clarifying your thinking • A project report needs a clear structure that helps to develop the storyline • All the information should be easily understood by the reader – visuals can help illustrate complex data • Use a clear writing style free and check for spelling and grammatical errors • Be prepared to rewrite the first draft several times • Remember to check the assessment criteria Source: Saunders et al (2009: 528-31)

  20. Business Skills: Successful Writing • Schedule regular time for developing your project report • Write when your mind is fresh • Find a regular writing place with no distractions • Set daily goals and achieve them • Use word processing and regularly back up all your work • Create a project plan for the report with regular review of progress • Start and finish each writing session on a high point • Get friends to read and comment on your work • Seek help and support as soon as you need it Source: Saunders et al (2009: 528-31)

  21. Business Skills: Project Work Unit 7 Priority Actions: • Review your Unit 1 Skills Assessment Matrix. Identify any areas for further development in the writing of a professional project report, and organise the support required • Revisit and update your milestone plan for your project • Prepare any final questions about the module Be ready to present back in Unit 8

  22. Knowledgecast Summary • Identify the purpose of each section in a project report • Appraise the required content and style of writing to present your project clearly and concisely to your audience • Assess your own writing style and techniques in relation the expected output of your research, reflecting the needs of your audiences

  23. Managing your Research Project xxx

  24. Business Skills: Project Work Unit 7 Priority Actions: • Review your Unit 1 Skills Assessment Matrix. Identify any areas for further development in the writing of a professional project report, and organise the support required • Revisit and update your milestone plan for your project • Prepare any final questions about the module Be ready to present back in Unit 8

  25. What are we going to cover next? In our next Unit, we will: • Discuss a range of ways of successfully fitting in to an organisation • Identify the stages required to effectively review your performance in new professional settings • Complete a checklist to assess your readiness for workplace and work-based learning

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