How to Write a Coursework in Business Studies: a Full Guide You Always Needed

A coursework is a written project that students undertake over a term, often requiring independent research and analytical skills. The structure, size, and complexity of coursework assignments may vary depending on the discipline and professor’s preferences, but their primary objective remains the same: to foster students’ ability to conduct thorough research. Unlike traditional exams, coursework allows students to demonstrate their full potential in a structured and relatively stress-free environment.

Business studies, being a practical discipline, emphasizes applying theories to real-world scenarios. Therefore, coursework in business studies is often centered around optimizing business operations, predicting market trends, improving customer relations, and maximizing profitability.

Since coursework contributes significantly to your final grade, it is essential to approach it strategically. If you struggle under exam pressure, consider coursework an opportunity to excel by demonstrating your analytical and research abilities.

Choosing a Suitable Topic for Business Studies Coursework

1. Take Your Time

Before selecting a topic, conduct preliminary research to ensure it is viable. Ask yourself:

• Are there enough credible sources available?
• Can you access the necessary data and research materials?
• Has a similar study already been conducted?
• Is the topic manageable within the given word limit and timeframe?
• Does the topic hold real-world relevance and potential for insightful findings?

If any of these considerations raise concerns, reconsider or refine your topic.

2. Choose an Engaging Topic

Since you will be working on your coursework for an extended period, select a subject that genuinely interests you. This enthusiasm will help sustain motivation throughout the research and writing process.

3. Ensure Measurability

Business studies rely on measurable data rather than theoretical speculation. Ensure your chosen topic allows for quantitative or qualitative analysis, supported by statistical evidence and case studies.

4. Leverage Previous Research

If you have previously conducted research on a related topic, consider expanding upon it. This approach will allow you to build upon existing knowledge while adding new insights. For example, if you have explored employee rotation practices, you might now focus on their impact on employee retention rates.

5. Adhere to Guidelines

Review the coursework guidelines carefully to ensure your topic falls within the required scope. Some subjects may be restricted, particularly if they overlap with future exam topics.

6. Consult Your Supervisor

Seek feedback from your professor or supervisor before finalizing your topic. They can offer insights on refining your research focus and ensuring feasibility.

Example Topics:

• The Role of Workplace Diversity in Organizational Success
• The Evolution of the Cotton Industry in the United States
• Causes and Impacts of Overqualification in the Job Market
• The Future of Family-Owned Businesses in a Globalized Economy
• Workplace Bullying and Its Effect on Productivity

Preparing for Your Business Studies Coursework

1. Create a Timeline

Effective time management is crucial. Break down your coursework into manageable tasks, setting deadlines for each phase, such as research, drafting, and revisions. Aim to complete your work before the final deadline to allow time for unexpected challenges.

2. Gather Reliable Sources

Your research quality directly impacts your coursework’s credibility. Use academic databases such as:

• EconBiz
• EconLit
• NBER
• Google Scholar
• JSTOR

Aim for at least three sources per page, ensuring a mix of books, journal articles, industry reports, and credible online publications.

3. Analyze and Take Notes

Identify the key theories, case studies, and statistical data relevant to your topic. Highlight critical arguments and counterarguments, ensuring a well-rounded discussion in your coursework.

4. Develop an Outline

Plan the structure of your coursework to ensure logical flow and coherence. Your outline should include:

• Introduction: Context, research question, and thesis statement.
• Main Body: Key arguments, supporting evidence, and real-world applications.
• Conclusion: Summary of findings, practical implications, and recommendations for future research.

Writing Your Business Studies Coursework

1. Introduction

Your introduction should:

• Define the topic and its relevance.
• Present the research question or problem statement.
• Outline the structure of the coursework.

Example: “Henry Ford once stated that business success depends on quality products, low costs, and fair wages. This coursework explores how these principles apply in today’s business landscape, with a focus on sustainable business practices.”

2. Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the central argument of your coursework. Ensure it is:

• Specific: Focused on a single argument or closely related points.
• Concise: Ideally, one or two sentences.
• Clear: Free of ambiguity.

Example: “This coursework examines how workplace diversity enhances innovation and productivity in multinational corporations.”

3. Main Body

The body of your coursework should present your research findings in a structured manner:

• Organize ideas logically: Use headings and subheadings if necessary.
• Support arguments with evidence: Use case studies, statistics, and expert opinions.
• Ensure coherence: Use transition words (e.g., therefore, consequently, thus) to connect ideas smoothly.

4. Conclusion

Your conclusion should:

• Summarize key findings.
• Reflect on their implications.
• Suggest areas for further research.

Finalizing Your Business Coursework

1. Review for Logical Consistency

Ensure your arguments are clear and coherent. Look for contradictions, redundancies, or missing links between points.

2. Verify Word Count Compliance

Check the coursework length against the assigned word limit. Clarify whether bibliographies and appendices are included in the word count.

3. Proofread for Grammar and Clarity

Use tools like Grammarly or seek professional proofreading services. Reading your coursework aloud can also help identify awkward phrasing and grammatical errors.

4. Ensure Proper Formatting

Follow the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard) consistently throughout your coursework.

5. Check Bibliography Accuracy

Ensure all references are correctly formatted and that every cited source appears in the bibliography.