Guidelines for Integrative Research and Consultancy Project Proposal

Instructions
The Harvard Referencing System must be used. The Wikipedia website must not be referenced in your work You are allowed to upload only ONE attachment (e.g. an Excel sheet) in addition to your original assignment, unless there is a requirement for more than one document in the assignment brief.

You must upload your assignment in PDF or Word document format Your paper will not be graded if it is submitted in any other format.If you submit your assignment as a PDF version, please include the exact word count of the assignment on the title page.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this assignment you will be able to:
1. Formulate a research proposal and design this into a workable research plan.
2. Design and manage a business critical independent applied research in their chosen discipline and present their findings, to a professionally acceptable standards.
3. Critically evaluate and analyse their findings, report on their conclusions in clear and acceptable standard in the form of an
engagement report present analyses of issues and organisational problems in a concise, accurate, clear and interesting manner from the perspective of a consultant.
4. Synthesise theory in a practical context to evidence knowledge,understanding and transferrable skills with regards to the taught
components of their studies. Introduction ‘Before you start your research you need to have at least some idea of what you want to do. Without being clear about what you are going to research it is difficult to plan how you are going to research it’ (Saunders, et al., 2003).

Formulating and clarifying the research topic is the starting point of your research project (Ghauri & Gronhaug, 2002; Smith and Dainty, 1991). Once you are clear about this you will be able to choose the most appropriate research strategy and data collection and analysis techniques. The formulating and clarifying process is time consuming and will probably take you up blind alleys (Saunders and Lewis, 1997). However, without spending time on this stage you are far less likely to achieve a successful project (Raimond, 1993).

Your Task You must submit a research proposal in order to complete the Integrative Research and Consultancy Project Your research proposal must be written and presented in the format outlined below:
• Title
• Background
• Industry Background
• Research aim, research questions or hypotheses and objectives
• Research Methodology
• Timescale
• Resources
• References

Guidelines Please read all questions and information provided carefully. Answers should be an appropriate length, keeping in mind the question requirements and total word count allowance In addition, your assignment should demonstrate the following qualities A critical appreciation of relevant literature and its use to support your argument, substantiate calculations, and address other aspects of the assignment.

Taking ownership of the content, being prepared to debate and argue a personal position, and providing evidence of evaluative skills. A submission made up of extracts from published sources which is descriptive or simply theoretical regurgitation is not acceptable. Your submission must have interpretation and consideration of the challenges and issues of applying theory to practice.

Logical flow of ideas and treatment; appropriate selection of real-world factors related to the companies under scrutiny Evidence of additional personal research, and the ability to analyse material from a variety of appropriate, relevant perspectives Presentation, structure, appropriateness of methodology, breaking into section headings/subheadings, tidiness Marks will be awarded for proper referencing and originality of work. Also note that plagiarism is a serious offence and your submission will be electronically checked.