Reference no: EM134008685 , Length: Word Count:6000

Research and Ethics

Assessment: Research Design with Ethics Proposal

Assessment 1: Research Ethics: Critical Review and Practical Recommendations

Assessment 2: Research Design with Ethics Proposal

Assessment 3: Case-Based Ethics Presentation

1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the ethical issues and challenges in the design and conduct of scholarly and applied business research.

2. Critically evaluate ethical implications of research designs across academic and industry contexts, including the development of appropriate risk mitigation strategies.

3. Expertly apply ethical principles and guidelines to develop research protocols that meet or exceed academic and industry compliance requirements.

4. Develop and critically evaluate high-quality research proposals that demonstrate a transparent and integrated alignment between methodology, ethical considerations, and stakeholder requirements.

5. Defend and promote original, innovative and ethical research approaches that advance professional practice with intellectual independence.

Rationale: Assessment 2 builds directly on the foundations of Assessment 1 by requiring students to apply ethical principles to the design of an original research proposal. Whereas the first assessment focused on developing theoretical understanding and critically reviewing ethical frameworks, this task requires students to synthesise ethical principles with methodological decisions, demonstrating how ethical reflection underpins practical research design. Students are expected to define a research question, outline an appropriate methodology, and address key ethical issues including informed consent, confidentiality, cultural awareness, intellectual property, and data security. A central element of this assessment is the completion of a formal ethics application, which reflects the professional processes that govern ethical approval in research practice. Students may also refer to Business Ethics concepts when evaluating ethical responsibilities in scholarly research.

Assessment 2 Research Design with Ethics Proposal

Purpose, description and topics covered Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate the relationship between scholarly research and the expected ethical principles that underpin the practical research process.

Description: Briefly outline a research question and proposed methodology on a topic of your choice and complete a "research ethics application" to implement the research within the accepted ethical guidelines. Students conducting survey or analytical studies may also review Marketing Research resources for additional understanding of research structures and data interpretation.

Topics to be covered: Your proposal should include:

Proposed research topic and objectives
Literature review clearly establishing research gap
Proposed methodology for data collection- population, sample and sampling approaches
Detailed ethical considerations, including alignment with national guidelines (e.g. Australian Code, National Statement), institutional processes, cultural awareness, IP, and data security.
Completed Ethics Review Application.

Subject Learning Outcomes ULO 3, 4 & 5

Expertly apply ethical principles and guidelines to develop research protocols that meet or exceed academic and industry compliance requirements.

Develop and critically evaluate high-quality research proposals that demonstrate a transparent and integrated alignment between methodology, ethical considerations, and stakeholder requirements.

Defend and promote original, innovative and ethical research approaches that advance professional practice with intellectual independence.

Assessment length Develop and critically evaluate high-quality research proposals that demonstrate a transparent and integrated alignment between methodology, ethical considerations, and stakeholder requirements.

Criteria to grade quality Research design and methodology
Ethical considerations
Practicable recommendations
Structure clarity and presentation
Critical awareness and discussion

Detailed Assessment Instructions: Research Ethics Application Report

Purpose The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your understanding of the relationship between scholarly research and the ethical principles that underpin the research process. You will propose a research study and complete a research ethics application consistent with accepted ethical guidelines.

Step 1: Select Your Research Topic (Approx. 300-400 words)

Choose a research area of interest within business or social research.

State your proposed research topic clearly.
Write a short justification explaining why this topic is relevant and significant.
Clearly state your research objectives and, if possible, formulate a research question or problem statement.

Step 2: Outline the Proposed Methodology (Approx. 400-500 words)

Describe the research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods). Students using analytical models may also explore Quantitative Research Techniques for broader methodological understanding.

Specify the data collection method(s) you intend to use (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, secondary data).
Identify your target participants or data sources.
Explain how you will ensure the methodology is feasible, valid, and reliable.

Step 3: Address Ethical Considerations (Approx. 700-900 words)

Discuss the ethical principles that apply to your proposed study. You must:

Show alignment with national guidelines such as the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Explain how you will respect informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation.
Identify any risks to participants and how these will be minimised.
Discuss cultural awareness and sensitivity, especially if your research involves diverse or Indigenous communities.
Outline how you will handle intellectual property, authorship, and acknowledgment.
Explain how you will ensure data storage, security, and disposal in line with institutional requirements. Ethical governance practices may also be supported through understanding Ethics And Responsibility in organisational and research settings.

Step 4: Complete the Ethics Review Application (Form provided)

Fill out the IMC Human Research Ethics Expedited Review Application Form (May 2019).
Ensure your answers are consistent with the details you have provided in Steps 1-3.
Attach the completed form as an appendix to your report.

Step 5: Write and Submit Your Report

Your final report should be structured as follows:

Introduction (outline purpose and structure of your report)
Proposed Research Topic and Objectives (Step 1)
Proposed Methodology (Step 2)
Ethical Considerations (Step 3)
Conclusion (summarise key points and significance of ethical reflection in research)
Appendix: Completed Ethics Application Form

Presentation and Submission Requirements
Word limit: 2,500-3,000 words (excluding appendix).
Referencing: Use APA 7th edition style.