Qualitative Methodologies and Methods: Research Proposal and Design

Assesses Learning Outcome 1, 2 & 4 1. Apply critical and analytical skills required to undertake academic and applied management research in an organised way.Evaluate a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods.Decide when to apply qualitative methodologies and methods, and when to apply quantitative methodologies and methods

Select a research topic in any area of management that interests you. In not more than 1000 words (excluding references and appendices), write a research proposal including:

1. The working title for the research

2. A short introduction statement or paragraph describing the research aim/purpose, and if necessary, the research objectives detailing this aim/purpose

3. The research problem(s) or question(s) that you will seek to answer, including any hypotheses that you will seek to test if this is appropriate

4. A rationale or justification as to why it is needed (answering the “so what?” question), including reference to key literature and or other background information sufficient to provide a background to the research and why it should be done. This will form the bulk of this part of the assignment and the depth of information provided will be a key determinant of the grade awarded.

For the Research Question(s) or Research Problem(s) you developed in Part 1, in not more than 1000 words (excluding references), outline a Research Design and the appropriate Research Method(s) or Methodology that you would use to obtain the data needed to answer your question or solve the problem.

• The structure of your assignment and clarity of expression, including grammar and sentence structure

• The appropriateness of the research design and method(ology) chosen to answer you research question(s) /problem(s)

• The currency and relevance of the source materials you cite and reference to:

1. evaluate the current state of knowledge on your selected research topic

2. background any relevant theory 3. frame the research question / problem (including hypotheses if relevant), and

4. justify the research design and method(s) chosen.

5. Correct use of APA citation and referencing

1. A cover page and integrity declaration

2. A Table of Contents

3. Part 1: with appropriate heading and sections

4. Part 2: with appropriate heading and sections, and including

• An outline of, and rationale for, the research design chosen.

• A description of the data collection method(s) that will be used, together with a justification of why your chosen method(s) are appropriate.

• A description of your data sources, and or proposed sample and method of sampling (if appropriate), that you would use.

A reference list in APA format of all sources cited in your assignment.