Assignment 2: Research Paper

B: Objective: This assignment aims to consolidate your understanding of procurement process in small or micro businesses in the light of the study materials of this course.
D. Word Limit: As a guide, an assignment of less than 3500 words is unlikely to meet the requirements. However it should be no more than 4000 words (strictly) of text. However, appendices (if any), figures, tables and bibliography are excluded from word count.
F. Requirements:The body of the paper, in addition to common items, to contain the following headings/subheadings.
I. Introduction
II. Comparative Review of Past Research (What does the recent research say about your selected topic and issues?):
a. Literature survey (sometimes this may also be found in the introduction or background)
b. Methodology used for your selected research articles
c. Findings and conclusions of the studies
III. Impact Analysis
a. Impact of your researched topic/issues on procurement practices or policies in at least three industries.
b. Impact of your researched topic/issues on any two cases. good practice example or procurement snapshot of your text book.
c. Compare and contrast the impact of the above issues on three organisations of your Assignment 1. (If the number of members in the group is different from three, please discuss with the Lecturer).
IV.Recommendations: (Suggest improvement for each of the above three organisation’s procurement practices in the light of your research).
V. Conclusion
-Bibliography
– Enclosures:
– Proceedings of each meeting (use the format of Appendix C).
(Do not enclose copies of any article with your assignment)

TIPS for Assignment 2:
–It is expected that the you will make a comprehensive review of a reasonable number of recent research articles published in reputed academic journals.
— Our experience says that at least three research articles published in reputed academic journals (peer reviewed) are required for each issue to have a reasonable discussion.
–Frequent relevant reference to previous research in relation (either support of or arguing the differences) to student’s own findings and conclusions will add value to the project.
–Search and obtain copy of research articles by each member of the group. You may obtain recent relevant journals from Library’s e-journals.
–Articles referred in Lecture notes or discussed in the class are NOT TO BE CHOSEN.
–Make sure that your research articles were published in an academic journal (not a trade journal). If unsure, consult your Lecturer.
–Obtain the articles as early as possible. It is suggested that you obtain the articles while you are doing your assignment 1. In case of difficulties please consult the Lecturer.
–It is suggested that the research articles that you will be studying should have the following sections:
—Literature survey (some times this may also be found in the introduction or background)
—Methodology used for research
—Findings and conclusions of the studies