AC1.1 Justify terms of reference for the business project.
- Consider factors influencing topic choice.
- Ensure strategic relevance to the business.
- Focus on adding value, like staff retention or improved communication.
AC1.2 Critically analyse key publications and other evidence to underpin the research questions.
- Utilize diverse sources like journals, books, reports, and professional bodies.
- Evaluate sources of evidence critically.
- Focus on structuring a literature review and critical reading/writing.
AC1.3 Develop a range of questions aimed at addressing the project’s main focus and outcomes.
- Formulate transparent, clear, concise, coherent, and valid questions.
- Ensure questions result in targeted outcomes.
AC2.1 Assess differences between primary and secondary data, including the value of different research methods.
- Understand the key differences between primary and secondary data.
- Apply data appropriately based on research questions and organizations.
AC2.2 Justify the most appropriate research methods to support the project’s intended outcomes.
- Decide on appropriate methods for the project.
- Understand case studies, experiments, and surveys.
- Utilize interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, and participant observation.
- Apply data triangulation to minimize risk and maximize opportunities.
AC2.3 Critically assess the ethical issues surrounding data collection, usage and storage for the project.
- Consider data collection, analysis, and storage ethically.
- Ensure confidentiality for interviewees and participants.
- Clearly communicate potential research outcomes to respondents.
AC3.1 Appraise the costs of different approaches to data collection and analysis for the project.
- Consider factors influencing data analysis and tools.
- Evaluate opportunities and risks associated with analysis.
AC3.2 Design an appropriate strategy for analysing, organising and interpreting data collected from research.
- Interrogate evidence and minimize risk in data sources.
- Identify variables and explore different lines of enquiry.
- Utilize statistical methods, documentary analysis, content analysis, grounded theory, and coding.
AC3.3 Present the findings of the business project clearly and logically and aimed towards the intended audience.
- Identify emerging patterns in findings and address conflicting evidence.
- Present results clearly, ethically, and effectively.
AC4.1 Justify conclusions derived from analysis of key findings, which align to the terms of reference.
- Draw on research questions, literature review, and data analysis.
- Report conclusions concisely and clearly.
AC4.2 Propose business-focused recommendations, action points and a cost-benefit analysis.
- Utilize techniques to persuade readers to adopt recommendations.
- Justify recommendations with costs and timescales.
- Address potential barriers to implementation.
AC4.3 Evaluate the success of the project, including ways in which to improve future project design and delivery.
- Learn lessons from the project.
- Improve project design and delivery.
- Develop skills of critical reflection.
- Utilize learning theory to analyze project effectiveness.
