Research project proposal on a business-related problem or opportunity

Overview of the two assignments

Overall, you are required to create a proposal for a research project aimed at a business related problem or opportunity. The two components of this proposal are related but separately assessed:

1. Firstly, you must prepare a Literature Review and Evidence Review on that research proposal, fully referenced.

2. Secondly, you are required to design a Business Research Proposal aimed at a business-related problem or opportunity

a. Component 1 – the Literature Evidence Review

b. Component 2 – the Research Design Proposal

The research proposal must include a background which describes the basic situation underlying your project. It must include a statement of the problem or opportunity that is the aim of your project. It must describe the rationale for your project, why you wish to carry out this research and the benefits that will accrue from its successful conclusion.

-You must create research objectives that, when successfully completed, will have the information that enables you to solve the problem or capitalise on the opportunity that is the aim of your research.

-It must also include a literature review that evaluates the context for your research, and sources academic research and models that are relevant to the project. It should include a critical evaluation of relevant theoretical and practical references and include breadth of understanding and depth of critical evaluation. Reviews will require analysis and evaluation of evidence and sources and be informed by theory and appropriate practice.

-You must evaluate and fully describe the research methods that will be necessary to successfully complete the research.

-Data collection methods must be selected and described which are consistent with the research philosophy necessary for its completion: these can include secondary and/or primary data sources. The methods by which the data you collect will be analysed and need to be justified.

-Finally, ethical, validity and reliability issues relevant to the research must be discussed and a time plan for its completion must be calculated and displayed as a Gantt chart (or another suitable format).

-It is expected that you use current peer-reviewed journals and articles to ensure that you have an in-depth understanding of your topic particularly for the Literature Review.

-There must be sufficient linkage between theory and practice.

-Harvard style of references should be used. 

This should be an analysis and synthesis of the literature pertaining to your topic. You should ensure that you read up-to-date sources and assess current academic concepts and models relating to that topic and the research question and objectives developed.

a. Is the domain explained?

b. Is there a rationale for the chosen topic?

c. Are the main sources stated?

-The Main Body Is there a clear structure?Does the review flow into a logical progression?Does the review convey the thinking of the writer?

 -Use of secondary sources, citation, references, synthesis, critique, chronology, seminal works, models?

-Is the current position conveyed?

-Is there a set of emergent conclusions?

Conclusion

-Is there a clear concluding statement?

-Is there a clear implication for further research?

-Are research questions specified?

-Are there emergent themes?

-Is the literature review conclusive?

-Has a theoretical or conceptual framework been identified?