Research Proposal Assignment for Business Research Methodology Module

Introduction to Assignment

The assignment for the Business Research Methodology module is in the format of a research proposal to be submitted in the format specified below. The proposal has a 40% weighting towards your final Business Research Methodology module mark. Your proposal should be 2 500 words long (i.e. approximately eight pages). This will enable you to sum up the essence of your intended research report. The following sections will form the structure of your proposal and should be completed in the order indicated. Guidelines for the approximate length expected for each section are below.

The scope of this formative assignment (i.e. the proposal) and the subsequent summative assessment (i.e. the research report) is such that you will not be required to design a data collection tool and collect primary data. While the Business Research Methodology module requires you to be familiar with the research design process you will only be conducting desktop research, using secondary data, to answer your research questions and meet your research objectives. You should keep the scope of this module in mind when designing your proposal.

1. Title

The aim here is to reflect, as accurately as possible, the content of the proposed research. Ideally, the title should be 15 words or less. The title should not be formulated as a question or an objective. Complete this section only after you have clearly stated your research problem, question and objectives. (5)

2. Abstract (½ page)

This section is essentially an overview of what you intend to do in the research. It should concisely describe what is contained in the proposed research outline to the reader. Familiarise yourself with the difference between an introduction and an abstract. (5)

3. Key terms, abbreviations and acronyms (½ page)

If there are any industry-specific terms with which your reader may not be familiar, you will provide definitions in this section. Key terms should
be explained and not just listed. Subject-specific terms pertaining to the field in which your problem and research are situated will be explained further in your literature review. Arrange each section in alphabetical order in a table format, and do not justify the text in this section. (5)

4. Background to the study (2 pages)

In this section, you will discuss the background of the research problem, and the setting or context from which the research problem has emerged. You will also explain to the reader how your research problem fits in with current debate on that topic. You need to give the reasons
you have chosen this topic.

The background should include a discussion on the relevant industry sector in which the research study will be conducted, as well as an overview of the company or organisation that you will use as a research site. Importantly, this section must include a discussion that should establish links between the industry in which the study is conducted, the research topic, and the relevant theory in the literature

5. Research Question (½ page)

5.1 The research question(s) is the main question that will guide the research study and is the forerunner of the research objectives. To formulate the research question, you need to rephrase your research problem into a question (see Section 1.6 of your prescribed textbook).

5.2 The research objectives are clear statements of intent in terms of operationalising your research questions; for example address what it is you will do to answer the research questions. Each objective should be aligned with one of your research questions. There should be a clear progression from research questions to research objectives. Ensure that your research objectives:

5.2.1 Relate to and are developed from your research question.

5.2.2 Relate to and are developed from your review of the literature.

5.2.3 Are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time- bound