Unit 16: Computing Research Project
(Pearson-set)
Unit code K/618/7425
Unit type Core
Unit level 5
Credit value 30
Introduction
This unit is assessed through a Pearson-set assignment. Students will choose their
own project based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The
project must be related to their specialist pathway of study (unless the student is
studying the general computing pathway). This will enable students to explore and
examine a relevant and current topical aspect of computing in the context of a
business environment and their chosen specialist pathway.
The aim of this unit is to give students the opportunity to engage in sustained
research in a specific field of study. Students will be able to demonstrate the capacity
and ability to identify a research theme, to develop research aims, objectives and
outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal
formats. Students are encouraged to reflect on their engagement in the research
process, during which recommendations for personal development are key learning
points.
On successful completion of this unit, students will have the confidence to engage in
problem-solving and research activities. Students will have fundamental knowledge
and skills that will enable them to investigate workplace issues and problems,
determine appropriate solutions and present evidence to various stakeholders in an
acceptable and understandable format.
Students will have developed skills such as communication literacy, critical thinking,
analysis, synthesis, reasoning, and interpretation, which are crucial for gaining
employment and developing academic competence.
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Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the
research process
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a computing research project
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders
LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
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Essential Content
LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of
the research process
Developing a research proposition:
The importance of developing methodical and valid propositions as the
foundation for a research project.
Rationale: the purpose and significance for research question or hypothesis.
The value of the philosophical position of the researcher and the chosen
methods.
Use of Saunders’ Research Onion as a guide to establishing a methodological
approach.
Literature review:
Conceptualisation of the research problem or hypothesis.
The importance of positioning a research project in context of existing
knowledge.
Significance and means of providing benchmarks by which data can be judged.
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research methodologies:
Key theoretical frameworks for research.
Advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research approaches
and methods.
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a computing research project
Research as a process:
Follow distinct phases of research to support a coherent and logical argument
including using secondary research to inform a primary, empirical study.
Identify the reason and goal of the business research project, e.g. solving
identified problems, business expansion, improve competitiveness, response to
developments in technology, changes in the industry.
Elicite information from stakeholders.
Application of key skills and behaviours to guide the research project and ensure
success, e.g. critical thinking, analysis and reasoning, dealing with difficult
situations, misunderstanding or mistakes.
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Selecting a sample:
The importance of gathering primary and secondary data and information
(qualitative or quantitative) to support research analysis.
Selecting sample types and sizes that are relevant to the research.
Considering sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and
non-probability (random) sampling.
Ethics, reliability and validity:
Conduct research ethically including reporting of findings.
Consider how to ensure reliable and valid research.
Analysing data:
Using data collection tools such as interviews and questionnaires.
Using analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding and typologies.
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified
stakeholders
Stakeholders:
Techniques to support the identification and analysis of internal and external
stakeholders.
Stakeholder analysis to determine approaches to communications, including
who the stakeholders are, high and low priority status, type of communication,
frequency of communication, level to which the project outcomes are conveyed.
Communicating research outcomes:
Consideration of different methods of communicating outcomes, e.g. written
word, spoken word, and the medium, e.g. report, online, presentation. The
method and medium will be influenced by the research and its intended
audience.
Considerations when communicating with stakeholders, e.g. maintaining privacy
and security, tone of voice, use of technical vocabulary or jargon, maintaining or
promoting company image.
Convincing arguments:
No matter what the method/medium, all research should be convincing and
presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no
knowledge of the research process.
The importance of developing evaluative conclusions.
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LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts
Reflection for learning and practice:
Difference between reflecting on performance and evaluating a research project.
The former considers the research process; the latter considers the quality of the
research argument and use of evidence.
Reflection on the merits, limitations and potential pitfalls of the chosen methods.
The cycle of reflection:
To include reflection in action and reflection on action.
Considering how to use reflection to inform future behaviour and future
considerations.
Reflective writing:
Avoiding generalisation and focusing on personal development and the research
journey in a critical and objective way.
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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and
approaches as part of the research process LO1 and LO2
P1 Produce a research M1 Analyse different D1 Critically evaluate
proposal that clearly research approaches and research methodologies
defines a research methodology and make and processes in
question or hypothesis, justifications for the choice application to a computing
supported by a literature of methods selected based research project to justify
review. on philosophical/theoretical chosen research methods
frameworks. and analysis.
P2 Examine appropriate
research methods and
approaches to primary
and secondary research.
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a
computing research project
P3 Conduct primary and M2 Discuss merits,
secondary research using limitations and pitfalls of
appropriate methods for a approaches to data
computing research collection and analysis.
project that consider costs,
access and ethical issues.
P4 Apply appropriate
analytical tools, analyse
research findings and
data.
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Pass Merit Distinction
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to
identified stakeholders
P5 Communicate research M3 Analyse the extent to D2 Evaluate outcomes and
outcomes in an which outcomes meet set make valid, justified
appropriate manner for research objectives and recommendations.
the intended audience. communicate judgements
effectively for the intended
audience
LO4 Reflect on the application of research
methodologies and concepts
P6 Discuss the M4 Analyse results in D3 Demonstrate reflection
effectiveness of research recommended actions for and engagement in the
methods applied, for improvements and future resource process, leading
meeting objectives of the research considerations. to recommended actions
computing research for future improvement.
project.
P7 Discuss alternative
research methodologies
and lessons learnt in view
of the outcomes.
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Recommended Resources
Textbooks
Cornford, T., Smithson S. (2005) Project Research in Information Systems: A Student’s
Guide. Paperback. Palgrave Macmillan.
Costley, C., Elliott, G. and Gibbs, P. (2010) Doing Work Based Research: Approaches to
Enquiry for Insider-researchers. London: SAGE.
Fink, A. (2020) Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper.
5th edn. Sage Publications Inc.
Flick, U. (2020) Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner’s Guide to Doing a Research
Project. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Gray, D.E. (2009) Doing Research in the Real World. 2nd edn. London: SAGE.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students.
6th edn. Harlow: Pearson.
Wellington, J. (2000) Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical
Approaches. Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Journals
International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research
Links
This unit links to the following related units:
Unit 3: Professional Practice
Unit 6: Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set)
Unit 7: Software Development Lifecycles.
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