Research Methods for Business and Management

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1 Research Methods for Business and Management Session 4 Research Poster Guidelines Andre Samuel

2 Assignments overview - structure Research Methods poster Research Methods 2500 w assignment Major Project 10,000w assignment Primary data Secondary data Introduction Introduction Introduction Literature Review Literature Review Literature Review Research Design Research Design Research Design Findings Analysis Analysis Conclusion Conclusion

3 What is a Research Poster? A research poster is very different from a paper or a talk, and to produce one requires different techniques. Simplicity is essential in a poster it should tell a story. A typical reader may spend only 5 minutes looking at your poster, There should be less clutter and more brief informative statements, with attractive, enlightening graphics. It should not contain a lot of details you can always explain the fine points to interested participants.

4 They allow the student the freedom to present initial ideas, or work in progress, in a clear and compelling manner The most usual format is a PowerPoint slide (use a template), Three columns, Plenty of appropriate figures and diagrams as well as text The aim of your research poster is to explain your initial ideas, and to obtain rich feedback from your lecturer. You have to use large enough fonts so people will not have to squint to read the material Make your poster visually appealing. Have fun. Be creative. Incorporate colour. Use photographs, graphs, charts For Further Guidelines see:

5 Research Poster Content Guide

6 Title Initially this might be regarded as a working title Ideally should mirror closely the content of the poster. In general, a good title will get people to stop and listen. The purpose of the title is to give a name to what you do Your title should not be over long, 10 words +/ 2 words Titles have two key elements: Aspect this is the particular focused area of your study Scale for who or where the research is being done

7 Introduction: Should provide the background to your study Define any key words or terms Introduce the ISSUE and the context you are interested in. Give examples of empirical evidence to illustrate your issue. Could use a chart. Use academic literature to support your claim of the Issue Indicate of the theoretical perspective you intend to bring to your study i.e. Underlying Theory Outline the main RATIONALE for the research. What could this research shed light on?

8 State your: Research Question ideally one main research question Aim the main outcome of the research Objectives decomposition of the aim, ideally 3 objectives. Please see Lecture 2 Topic.pdf

9 Literature This involves a shortened literature review that critically analyses the work of leading authors relevant to your own research issue Ideally, brief reference should also be made to existing studies that are relevant to your own work Use at least 6 Journal Articles on your topic area/issue to put together the preliminary review At the end of the review, you need to say how your own research fits into the current literature. Say how your research project will contribute to knowledge, and fill an existing gap. Make sure that the Harvard referencing system is applied in the correct way

10 Methodology Introduce the section by saying that the research design is based on operationalizing the research objectives and ensuring the research question is answered Give an indication of your Research Approach i.e. whether your research will be inductive or deductive Give an indication of your Research Strategy i.e. whether your research will be Qualitative or Quantitative Give an indication of your Research Design for your project. i.e. Case Study, Survey, Ethnography etc. In particular, it is important that you establish a plan for data collection i.e. the methods you would use e.g. Questionnaires, Interviews etc. and HOW

11 Research Poster marking criteria Does the working title mirror closely the content of the poster, and is that content appropriately focused? (Maximum 20%) Does the introduction section of the poster establish the problem or situation the student is interested in, and the academic and practical context in which it is set? (Maximum 20%) Does the literature section of the poster identify a body of relevant academic literature and a literature gap? (Maximum 30%) Does the methodology section of the poster outline a research design and methodology, and is there a plan for data collection and analysis? (Maximum 30%)

12 Submission Requirements Save Poster as a PDF Upload to TURNITIN UK Assignment coversheet is optional

13 Examples Please note the following examples are for the sole purpose to demonstrate the look and feel of the Poster. They are based on previous assessment criteria

14 A Critical Analysis of Job insecurity at State Enterprises in South Trinidad /1 Lord Ashcroft International Business School Anglia Ruskin University Introduction The shift in the global business paradigm has streamlined the strategies and cultures of organisations globally. State Enterprises in Trinidad were immensely attractive because of the permanent employment benefit. However, the Human Resource Management restructuring strategy embarked by State Enterprises, over recent years has forced unpredictability, as employees are presently hired on a contractual basis. Evidence of Issue/Rationale Methodology The research will be done using a qualitative approach since the evidence acquired is pertinent to the perceptions and opinions of employees. The research will incorporate diverse techniques in order to procure the data relevant to the research objectives. The researcher intends to use a questionnaire for employees and managers that will derive data on the level of job insecurity. Additionally, interviews would be used to evaluate the current determinants of job insecurity from the managers and employees perspective. Time Line Naswall & De Witte (2003) instigates that, employees with temporary job contracts perceive themselves to be jobunsecured (Adesumbomi, 2018, p. 7). Pertinent to the theorist s claim, the degree to which job insecurity exists would be investigated. Research Issue Research Issue and Literature Research Issue: The Shift of State Enterprises from permanent to contract employment has created job insecurity for the contract employees in South Trinidad. According to Ms. Baptiste Primus, 1848 people lost jobs in Trinidad & Tobago for the year and Trade Unions estimated a higher figure as hundreds of contract employees whose contracts were not renewed were not included in the figure (Guardian, 2016, p.1). The chart reveals 24% of employees leave their jobs in pursuit of job security. Literature: Finding a solution for this problem is useful because Human Resource is a core aspect of organisations and should be valued holistically. Why should employees not have to carry the burden of job uncertainty and financial insecurity? This research will therefore provide insight into the gaps in literature (Shoss, 2017 p.33) & determinants of Job insecurity at State Enterprises in South Trinidad. Pearce (1998) climaxes temporary employment as, a dispassionate type of job insecurity, categorized by a probability that employees will have the same job in conceivable future (Adesumbomi, 2018, p. 7). Research Question What is the current level of job insecurity & its key determinants for contract employees in State Enterprises South Trinidad? Research Aim To establish the determinants of job insecurity & develop a strategy to achieve strategic value and promote job security for contract employment. Objectives 1. Analyse the current level of Job insecurity of contract staff 2. To evaluate the determinants of job insecurity from contract employees perspective 3. To amalgamate the current gaps by gauging against pertinent literature Conclusion This research aims to investigate the causes of job insecurity, in order to cultivate a strategy that encourages job security for contract employees. The evidence would be developed through the wealth of information derived from achieving the set objectives and applying research techniques. References Adesubomi A Impact of Employees Job Insecurity and Employee Turnover on Organisational Performance in Private and Public Sector Organisations. [pdf] Research Gate. Available at: < s'_job_insecurity_and_employee_turnover_on_organisational_performance_ in_private_and_public_sector_organisations> [Accessed Oct ]. Guardian, Thousands lost jobs in Trinidad & Tobago Guardian [Online] 24 December. Available at: < e> [Accessed Oct112018]. Shoss, M., Job Insecurity: An Integrative Review and Agenda for Future Research. Journal of Management / [e journal] 43. Available through: egrative_review_and_agenda_for_future_research> [Accessed Oct ]. Society for Human Resource Management, Employee Job Satisfaction & Engagement Revitalizing a Changing Workforce. [pdf] SHRM Society. Available at: < today/trends and forecasting/research and surveys/documents/2016 Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement Report.pdf> [Accessed Oct ].

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19 ENTREPRENEURSHIP: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IN THE FASHION SECTOR Introduction Social media is a new phenomenon that has altered the way the business environment has been operating (Samuel, 2015). In this constantly evolving society, entrepreneurs must acclimatize themselves with the rapidly changing technology. Social media plays a major role in promoting entrepreneurship as the small business will be more known to consumers and will generate the target audience and ultimately gives rise to the business. Research Issue Social media marketing can be difficult for entrepreneurs thus not allowing success. The greatest difficulty could be the amount of time required to effectively execute their strategy via social media to meet their target market /1 Mod Anglia Ruskin University Literature This research will shed light on entrepreneurs engaging customers by the use of social media. Social media allows entrepreneurs to communicate rapidly with clients as well as build a database that can be used to generate business leads. It is considered that social media not only attract existing customers but it also grabs the attention of the potential customers to develop their interest about their product (Mangold & Faulds, 2009). Many entrepreneurs are not successful at first but by the use of social media they can serve customers on higher levels. The implementation of the social media in the business sector has also helped to improvise their worthiness, cultivate strategic partnerships and enhance their contact with suppliers and clients (Zahra, 2011). It has become more important for entrepreneurs to better understand the effectiveness of social media as a communicating and marketing tool and how they can considerably grow their market. Research Question How can social media marketing be used by entrepreneurs to engage their customers? Research Aim To discover a social media marketing strategy that allows entrepreneurs to improve customer engagement. Objectives 1. To analyse the current social media marketing strategy. 2. To evaluate the key elements of a social media strategy from customer s perspective. 3. To synthesize the gaps in the current strategy against the preferred strategy by using relevant data. Methodology This research will be done using a qualitative approach since the data being gathered is dependent on the views of an entrepreneur. It will utilize an interview with an entrepreneur that will evaluate their experience with the use of social media in allowing them to prosper. Conclusion Social media helps promote successful entrepreneurship therefore entrepreneurs must use the effective engagement of marketing strategies in order to prosper. Many entrepreneurs have not fully adopted the potential of social media for their businesses. However, the use of social media could enhance entrepreneurship growth.this research will discover a social media marketing strategy that will allow entrepreneurs to prosper. References Sam Samuel, B. (2018). Social Media as a Factor for Promoting Entrepreneurship - the Middle East & Oman Scenario. StatCounter Global Stats. (2018). Social Media Stats Trinidad And Tobago StatCounter Global Stats. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 Oct. 2018]. Strategy, U. and Jackson, +. (2018). Using Social Media to Enhance Your Retail Marketing Strategy - Entrepreneur Resources. [online] Entrepreneur Resources. [Accessed 11 Oct. 2018].