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.
