Assignment Task
You must propose an independent, small-scale research project about an area of interest to you within a business context. Ideally, the research proposal should deal with an opportunity or a problem at the organization where you are currently employed. You should select a manageable area within a subject area related to your business studies. (e.g. Finance, HR, Project Management, CSR, etc.)
Task:
In this Task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you include:
1. Introduction
- Introduce the business problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.
- Clearly explain the background to the business problem or opportunity, and justify the reasons for, and the value of, the research to your employer and the wider academic community.
- Outline the research project’s aims and objectives.
- State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.
2. Literature Review
- Critically review key literature and recent academic publications around the subject area discussing key definitions, current theoretical frameworks, and research carried out in similar business areas.
- Develop a conceptual and theoretical framework for the research from the literature review explaining how and why it supports and informs your approach to the research process.
3. Research Methodology
- Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.
- Data collection:
Discuss data collection methods.
- Select the instrument, design it, and justify an appropriate method with an outline of a pretest/pilot to be included as an appendix.
- Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.
3. Population and Sampling: Define the research population, and sampling strategy and clarify access to respondent issues.
4. Data Analysis: Describe and justify how you propose to analyze and report the results and findings of your research with a discussion about reliability and validity and the management of error.
4. Statement of Ethics
- Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from the organization to conduct research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security, etc.
5. Timeline
- Develop a plan using the GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.