Assignment Brief
Assignment title:
Evidence Implementation Plan (4000 word equivalent)
Purpose of the Assessment
The purpose of this assignment is to provide a vehicle to exhibit an advanced understanding of applied business research and the use of evaluation tools to measure its contribution to improving business practice. Associated with this is the need to demonstrate the capacity to plan research projects and lead /manage research teams to deliver and disseminate actionable results that are valued.
Assessment Task
• Identify within your own area of business, management or operations an area of activity that would benefit from evidence-based management. Provide a clear rationale for this that includes the need and potential benefits of change.
• Identify and evaluate what evidence already exists in this area and what gaps remain in the information required to make a change.
• Identify the purpose and scope of additional research – together with the research approach /methodology – required to support the existing evidence.
• Prepare a timed research plan.
• Devise a strategy for the dissemination and effective implementation of the project findings. This should take into account the results of the research culture audit.
• Determine an approach to the measurement and evaluation of change based on the research
Assessment Grading Criteria
This is a pass/fail assignment. Whether or not the standard of a pass at level 8 has been achieved will be determined by:
1. The clarity with which the need for an evidence based approach is argued.
2. The critical analysis of existing evidence including academic research.
3. The appropriateness of the research element to address its purpose within the overall plan
4. The use of the research culture audit to inform the strategy for gaining support for the initiative
5. The extent to which the whole plan is internally consistent.
Assessment Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes being addressed through this assignment are:
Knowledge and Understanding
a) Critically assess and explore the scope of research-informed practice within a business and organizational context;
b) Critically examine approaches to leadership and management in the context of the planning and implementation of research-informed practice.
Subject specific skills
d) Develop an action plan to implement research, taking into consideration a variety of leadership, organizational and political drivers;
e) Critically explore issues surrounding leadership and management strategies in the context of the planning and implementation of research-informed practice;
Key Skills
f) Utilize project management software and models effectively in the development of an implementation plan;
g) Identify appropriate sources for potential research funding;
h) Learn to develop and express tangible and intangible Key Performance Indicators
i) Communicate the results of audit and implementation plan effectively to professional colleagues.
