UTAMU GROUP COURSEWORK – OCTOBER 2025
Course Code: S25RMS 7101/TM 500
Course Title: Research Methods
Assignment Type: Group-Based Coursework – Scenario-Based Discussions
Number of Groups: 15
Submission Format: Microsoft Word Document (.doc/.docx) and PowerPoint Presentation
(.ppt/.pptx)
Submission Platform: UTAMU Online Learning Platform
Date for Discussion and Submission: 18/10/2025 at 23:59 hrs (EAT)
Referencing Style: APA 7th Edition
ASSIGNMENT TWO: GROUP COURSEWORK
Title: Scenario-Based Applications in Research Methods
COURSEWORK OVERVIEW
This group assignment aims to deepen understanding of research principles and practices by
applying key methodological concepts to practical, real-world scenarios.
Each of the 15 groups is assigned one unique scenario question focusing on a core component
of research design, theory, or methodology. Group members are expected to analyse the
scenario, discuss possible solutions, and present both a written report and a PowerPoint
presentation that reflect critical reasoning and application of the UTAMU Research Guidelines
already provided on the UTAMU online platform.
SCENARIO QUESTIONS (For 15 Groups)
Group 1: Research Theories
Your faculty has observed that many postgraduate students struggle to link theory with practice
in their research proposals. As a research committee, develop a strategy to strengthen the use
of theoretical frameworks in proposal writing and explain how theories guide research
processes.
Group 2: Research Paradigms
A research team is torn between using positivist and interpretivist approaches for a study on
workplace culture. Discuss how the choice of research paradigm influences methodology, data
collection, and interpretation of results.
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Group 3: Research Designs
A public health researcher wants to evaluate the impact of hygiene campaigns in refugee
settlements. Advise on the most suitable research design to employ, justifying your choice with
strengths and limitations.
Group 4: Data Collection Methods
A consultancy firm has been contracted to evaluate customer satisfaction for a telecom
company. Identify and justify appropriate data collection methods for this assignment,
considering time, cost and accuracy.
Group 5: Data Collection Instruments
A development project intends to assess the success of a women’s empowerment program.
Recommend suitable data collection instruments and explain how reliability and validity can
be ensured during data gathering.
Group 6: Data Analysis
A student researcher is uncertain whether to use qualitative or quantitative analysis for a study
on leadership styles in NGOs. Develop a guide explaining when and how each data analysis
technique should be applied.
Group 7: Sampling Techniques
An education researcher intends to study school dropout rates in urban slums but faces
challenges identifying a proper sampling frame. Propose appropriate sampling techniques and
justify how they ensure representativeness and accuracy.
Group 8: Research Ethics
During fieldwork, a participant reveals sensitive information unrelated to the study topic.
Discuss the ethical implications and propose how the researcher should respond while
maintaining professionalism and integrity.
Group 9: Literature Review
A Master’s student has gathered numerous journal articles but struggles to synthesize them into
a coherent narrative. Explain how to conduct a systematic literature review, emphasizing
synthesis over summary.
Group 10: Conceptual Review
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A researcher on employee motivation finds overlapping definitions and constructs.
Demonstrate how to conduct a conceptual review, highlighting how key terms and variables
can be clarified to build a strong conceptual framework.
Group 11: Contextual Review
A proposal on youth entrepreneurship in Uganda is criticized for lacking local relevance.
Illustrate how to develop a contextual review that situates a study within its geographic,
institutional or socio-economic environment.
Group 12: Referencing Styles
Some students in your class have been penalized for poor referencing and plagiarism. Prepare
a mini-training module showing correct use of APA 7th referencing style, including in-text
citations, quotations and reference lists.
Group 13: Reliability and Validity
A social scientist is accused of producing inconsistent and biased results. Discuss how
reliability and validity can be enhanced in both quantitative and qualitative research.
Group 14: Formulation of Research Questions and Objectives
A postgraduate student has developed a research topic but is struggling to align the research
problem, questions, and objectives. Propose a structured approach to ensure coherence and
logical flow in proposal formulation.
Group 15: Report Writing and Presentation of Findings
After completing a research project, a team is preparing to present results to stakeholders.
Develop a reporting and presentation framework that ensures clarity, accuracy and academic
rigor in communicating findings.
DELIVERABLES
• One group report (15–20 pages) analysing the assigned scenario
• One PowerPoint presentation (7–10 slides) summarizing key insights and
recommendations
• Each member must individually upload the same files on the UTAMU platform by
18/10/2025
• Formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt font, 1.5 spacing
• Referencing: APA 7th Edition.
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EVALUATION CRITERIA (Total: 15 Marks)
Assessment Component Description Marks
Written Report (10 Relevance, analytical depth, structure, referencing,
10
Marks) originality, and clarity
Presentation (5 Marks) Teamwork, creativity, clarity, and professional delivery 5
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
• Each group should meet regularly to deliberate on the assigned question and ensure
contributions from all members.
• Emphasize critical thinking, practical analysis, and scholarly depth.
• Scenarios must be discussed using real-world illustrations and examples.
• The group report should demonstrate alignment with UTAMU’s research writing
guidelines (2025).
FINAL NOTE
This assignment is intended to foster collaboration and strengthen practical understanding of
research design, ethics, and analysis. Each scenario reflects real challenges researchers face
and encourages the application of theory to practice.
“Research becomes meaningful when it bridges knowledge and action.” — Tukei
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