Research methods and techniques in business

YBR7005M Assessment 2: Research Methods and Techniques in Business

York Business School | York St John University | Assessment Brief and Requirements

Are you looking for the YBR7005M Assessment 2 brief? This page provides an overview of the Research Methods and Techniques in Business assessment, including module details, the 3,000-word research report requirements, secondary data analysis, statistical methods, learning outcomes, Harvard referencing, submission instructions and marking criteria.

The assessment requires students to produce an academic research report based on secondary data. Students should consult the official university assessment brief and their module team for authoritative instructions.

Table of Contents

1. YBR7005M Assessment 2: Module Details

2. Assessment Description

3. Report Components and Task Overview

4. Dataset and Submission Requirements

5. Learning Outcomes

6. Academic Referencing and Guidance

7. Generative AI Policy and Academic Integrity

8. How Is This Assessment Marked?

9. Assessment Marking Criteria

10. Assessment Dates and Contact Details

11. Frequently Asked Questions

1. YBR7005M Assessment 2: Module Details

The supplied assessment brief provides the following module and assessment information.

Deadline notice: The deadline listed in the supplied brief has passed. Students should check Moodle and official university communications for any revised deadline or current assessment instructions.

2. Assessment Description

YBR7005M Assessment 2 requires students to produce a research report for an academic audience. The report must include an analysis of secondary data.

According to the assessment brief, the dataset will be made available during the module. Students will be notified by email, and the dataset will be uploaded to Moodle under the “Assessment” section.

The report is intended to demonstrate students' understanding of business research methods, research design, academic literature, data analysis, statistical techniques and the interpretation of research findings.

The assessment requires six main report components:

• A short abstract.

• Research question and objectives.

• Research background and literature review.

• Research methodology.

• Results and statistical analysis.

• Discussion of results.

All six components are included in the 3,000-word count.

3. Report Components and Task Overview

3.1 Abstract

The abstract should provide a concise summary of the key points of the research report. It gives the reader an overview of the research focus, purpose, approach, principal findings and overall conclusions.

The abstract is included in the 3,000-word assessment limit.

3.2 Research Question and Objectives

This component identifies the research question and objectives guiding the investigation. The research question establishes the central issue being examined, while the objectives clarify the intended focus of the research.

The research question and objectives should relate to the investigation undertaken using the supplied secondary dataset.

3.3 Research Background and Literature Review

The research background introduces the context of the study and explains the academic topic being investigated.

The literature review should engage with relevant academic research, theories, concepts and models where appropriate. It should establish the research context and justify the need for the investigation.

The assessment brief also states that hypotheses, where tested, should be derived from the literature review. Relevant academic sources should be referenced throughout the report.

3.4 Research Methodology

The methodology section explains the research methods used in the investigation. It should include details of the relevant data collection procedures and an assessment of whether the research was ethical.

This component relates to research design, methodological choices and the application of appropriate research methods to the study.

3.5 Results and Statistical Analysis

The results section presents the findings obtained from the secondary dataset. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to perform correct statistical analysis.

The assessment brief explicitly requires:

• Descriptive statistics.

• At least one instance of inferential statistics.

The results should be presented clearly and accurately in relation to the research investigation.

3.6 Discussion of Results

The discussion section considers the meaning and implications of the research findings. The assessment brief specifically requires reflection on the validity of the research and its contribution to knowledge.

This component concerns the interpretation of findings and their significance in relation to the research focus and relevant academic literature.

3.7 References

The reference list identifies the sources cited in the report. The required referencing style is Cite Them Right (Harvard), covering both in-text citations and the reference list.

The reference list is excluded from the 3,000-word limit.

4. Dataset and Submission Requirements

Students should check the official brief and module communications for the precise assessment instructions.

Dataset requirements

The assessment uses secondary data. The brief states that the dataset will be communicated to students by email and uploaded to Moodle under “Assessment”.

Submission requirements

• Assessment format: Written academic research report.

• Word limit: 3,000 words.

• Submission file: Microsoft Word document.

• Submission platform: Turnitin.

• Referencing style: Cite Them Right (Harvard).

• Required statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics and at least one instance of inferential statistics.

Word-count rules

The brief states that all the report components listed in the assessment description are included in the word count. The title page or cover sheet and reference list are excluded.

Students should verify any additional formatting or submission instructions in the original assessment brief and on Moodle.

5. YBR7005M Assessment 2 Learning Outcomes

The assessment brief identifies four learning outcomes that students must successfully achieve to pass the assessment.

Learning Outcome 7.1

Demonstrate critical understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies across Business and Management, including how onto-epistemic themes shape research design, methods, and the analysis and presentation of data.

Learning Outcome 7.2

Critically evaluate and systematically apply qualitative and/or quantitative forms of enquiry through an original and independent piece of advanced business and management research.

Learning Outcome 7.3

Identify, explore, and interpret research methodologies as they apply generally to Business and specifically to the student's project.

Learning Outcome 7.6

Demonstrate the academic skills appropriate to Level 7, including the development of standards of presentation to sustain arguments in professional and academic domains, as part of a community of reflective practice.

These learning outcomes relate to research methodology, critical evaluation, independent research, data analysis and presentation, and advanced academic skills.

6. Academic Referencing and Guidance

The assessment brief states that the report should be underpinned by relevant academic theories, concepts and models where appropriate. These should be referenced throughout the report.

The required referencing system is Cite Them Right (Harvard).

Students should apply this style to:

• In-text citations.

• The reference list.

• Academic sources used to support the research background and literature review.

• Relevant theories, concepts and models used in the report.

The brief refers students to the University's Harvard Referencing Guide. It also states that students can use the Cite Them Right website through their York St John login.

The title page or cover sheet and reference list are excluded from the assessment word count.

The brief notes that assessment at York St John University is regulated by the Code of Practice for Assessment, which markers follow when making marking decisions.

7. Generative AI Policy and Academic Integrity

The supplied assessment brief identifies the policy as:

Generative AI use: Tier 1 — AI use prohibited.

It states that generative AI tools are not permitted for this assessment and that students must complete all parts of the work independently.

The brief lists the following prohibited uses of generative AI:

• Generating ideas and arguments.

• Writing text or code.

• Reviewing literature.

• Editing and proofreading.

• Drafting.

• Data analysis.

• Editing, including structuring.

The assessment is intended to evaluate students' individual understanding, critical thinking and ability to express knowledge in their own words.

The brief warns that using AI tools for any part of the assessment constitutes academic misconduct, including using AI to paraphrase or generate content. Unauthorised use may be investigated under the University's Code of Practice for Assessment Policy, Section 27, Academic Misconduct Policy.

Students who need clarification should contact the module leader using the details provided in the official brief.

8. How Is This Assessment Marked?

The assessment brief states that work is marked according to the assessment instructions and the selected learning outcomes.

The assessment uses marking criteria or a similar rubric aligned with the University's generic assessment descriptors. The stated purpose is to support comparable assessment decisions across different disciplines and modes of assessment.

The brief explains that students must meet the baseline standards for a Pass, including the learning outcomes and minimum assessment expectations. It identifies 50–59% as the baseline Pass range and discusses progression through Pass, Merit and Distinction standards.

The brief also refers to a Distinction range of 70–84% in its explanatory text. The full marking table contains individual mark bands, which students should consult in the original document.

A rubric is a scoring guide used to identify assessment components and expectations and to guide the marking process.

9. YBR7005M Assessment 2 Marking Criteria

The marking criteria in the supplied brief cover four areas:

1. Thinking Skills.

2. Research Skills.

3. Communication.

4. Creativity.

9.1 Thinking Skills

Thinking Skills concerns the application of advanced thinking and critical analysis to taught material and independently researched sources.

The rubric considers the ability to identify problems, examine research questions, apply critical thinking and develop evidence-based insights. Higher performance bands refer to generating new insights or proposing new hypotheses where appropriate.

Lower performance bands describe limited application of thinking skills, gaps in core knowledge or significant misunderstandings.

9.2 Research Skills

Research Skills concerns the selection and application of suitable research methods, research design and methodology.

The rubric considers whether research methods are applied appropriately to investigate questions and address problems. Higher performance bands emphasise a systematic and thoughtful methodological approach, effective use of research tools and a clear explanation of the researcher's position.

Lower performance bands describe incomplete or inappropriate application of methods, weak connections between the methods and research topic, or failure to address the required research questions.

9.3 Communication

Communication concerns clarity, coherence, technical proficiency, audience awareness and the suitability of the writing or presentation style.

Higher performance bands describe clear and persuasive communication, logical structure, the effective explanation of complex ideas and appropriate engagement with relevant technologies.

Lower performance bands identify limited clarity, weak focus, inconsistent language or insufficient use of an appropriate writing and presentation style.

9.4 Creativity

Creativity concerns originality and the ability to adapt, combine or transform existing knowledge and concepts.

Higher performance bands describe work that offers a valuable and distinctive approach for an identified audience. The rubric also considers whether the work demonstrates originality and meets professional or disciplinary expectations.

Lower performance bands describe limited originality, excessive reliance on existing material or a failure to explain the value and purpose of the approach.

9.5 Grade Bands Listed in the Assessment Brief

The supplied marking table lists the following mark bands:

The general descriptors in the marking table include Satisfactory, Good, Excellent, Exemplary, Not successful, Unsuccessful and Fail.

Students should refer to the complete official marking rubric for the precise expectations attached to each grade band.

10. Assessment Dates and Contact Details

The supplied brief lists the following details:

• Module leader: Dr Kane Needham.

• Module leader email: k.needham@yorksj.ac.uk.

• Assessment deadline: 9 June 2026, noon BST.

• Feedback date: 1 July 2026, through Turnitin.

The brief states that the hyperlinks in the document were correct as of 6 January 2026. If a university hyperlink leads to an error page, it advises students to use the Student Hub and the university website to locate the relevant information.

As the stated assessment deadline has passed, students should confirm current arrangements through Moodle or official university communications.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

What is YBR7005M Assessment 2?

YBR7005M Assessment 2 is Component 2 of the Research Methods and Techniques in Business module, coded YBR7005M-FEB, at York Business School. The assessment requires a written academic research report based on secondary data.

How many words is the YBR7005M Assessment 2 report?

The assessment brief specifies a 3,000-word report. The report components listed in the brief count towards this limit. The title page or cover sheet and reference list are excluded.

What is the required assessment format?

The report must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document through Turnitin.

Where can students find the dataset?

The brief states that the secondary dataset will be communicated by email and uploaded to Moodle under the “Assessment” section.

Which statistical analysis is required?

The report must include descriptive statistics and at least one instance of inferential statistics.

Which referencing style should students use?

The required style is Cite Them Right (Harvard), for both in-text citations and the reference list.

Which learning outcomes apply to the assessment?

The brief lists learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.6. These address research methodology, critical evaluation, independent research, interpretation of methods and Level 7 academic skills.

Can students use generative AI for this assessment?

The supplied brief states that generative AI use is prohibited for this assessment. It specifically lists idea generation, writing, literature review, proofreading, drafting, data analysis and structuring among prohibited uses.

What are the four marking criteria?

The four criteria are Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication and Creativity.

What is the deadline for the assessment?

The supplied brief lists 9 June 2026 at noon BST. This date has passed, so students should check official university communications for any updated arrangements.

Summary of YBR7005M Assessment 2 Requirements

YBR7005M-FEB Research Methods and Techniques in Business Assessment 2 is a Level 7 written academic research report carrying 60% of the module assessment weighting. The stated report length is 3,000 words and the work is based on a secondary dataset provided through the module.

The six required report components are the abstract, research question and objectives, research background and literature review, research methodology, results and statistical analysis, and discussion of results. The report must include descriptive statistics and at least one instance of inferential statistics, address research ethics and validity, and use Cite Them Right (Harvard) referencing.

The assessment brief also identifies learning outcomes 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.6, and evaluates Thinking Skills, Research Skills, Communication and Creativity. The original brief remains the authoritative source for assessment instructions, grading descriptors, university policies and any revised arrangements.