Describe the chosen consumer phenomenon in sufficient

Word Limit: 1,000 words (+/- 10%) excluding title page, table of contents and reference list

The aim of this assignment is for student groups to consider an interesting consumer phenomenon occurring in the real world. Then develop a thought out and planned strategy to investigate it more deeply. You will do this by drawing from:

(1) The theory and concepts you have learnt in classes from weeks 1 to 2

(2) The readings from weeks 1 to 2

(3) Secondary research conducted to frame the phenomenon clearly and to support your plan

In groups, you are to craft a detailed draft research plan that includes a team contract. A template has been provided (see ‘Group research plan template’ under Modules). Please use and adapt it to your group’s needs. The purpose of this assessment is to create a starting point for your final group presentation. All group members must contribute to this plan[footnoteRef:1]. This plan will outline the steps required.[footnoteRef:2] This assessment will be in two parts: (1) the plan and (2) the team contract. [1: Your team members will conduct peer reviews at the conclusion of the quarter. If a team member is found not to have contributed to the group work, penalties to the individual will apply. ] [2: NOTE: This research plan will not be conducted. This is merely a plan for the research; it will lead to a final presentation, not a written document. ]

The assignment should be appropriate for an academic reader, with the goal of ‘selling’ your research idea to the reader.

Tasks Involved

The Plan:

· Describe the chosen consumer phenomenon in sufficient detail with providing real-world examples

· Describe and justify this phenomenon’s importance to consumers and businesses, and why it might have come about

· Explain why this phenomenon requires deeper investigation while considering the wider consequences of this phenomenon

· Describe the appropriate research methods that you might use to investigate this phenomenon

· Describe the expected academic and managerial contributions of your research project

The Team Contract should be a clear and succinct agreement between all group members about how your group will operate. Consider including:

· Team member roles, responsibilities and justification

· Consideration of other team members’ commitments

· How the team plans to deal with issues between team members

· How the team plans to deal with unexpected circumstances

· Description of how the team will decide on actions

· When and where your group meet and for how long

· Description of how the team will communicate

· Timeline and deadline for goals

Structure

Below is a suggested structure:

· Page 1: Title page with course code (BUSMGT752), a descriptive, interesting title that captures the essence of the chosen consumer phenomenon and research inquiry, submission date of your assignment, all full names and student IDs, word count (excluding references)

· Page 2: Table of Contents

· Page 3-4: Draft Research Plan (1-2 pages)

· Pages 5: Team contract (1 page)

· Page 6: Include full APA-7 formatted references of all sources of information and knowledge cited in the draft research plan. Follow the APA-7th conventions and guidelines for both citations and references

 

Presentation and formatting

Students are welcome to use any font of their choice, as long as it is readable and professional (e.g., aerial, Calibri, times new roman). Fonts such as comic sans will result in deduction of marks. Spacing to be 1.25 apart and margins 2.5cm (i.e. no change to the standard word document).

Referencing

Students must use APA-7 referencing. Students must have at least 5 other references (that were not provided to you in the course) relating to their chosen phenomenon. In-text citations and a reference list must be provided. References are not included in the word limit. Sources must be reliable, credible and relevant to the topic and academic standard of this assessment (e.g. Wikipedia is not a reliable, credible or relevant source).