Research Proposal

MGMT.7001 – Research Proposal

Student Name: ________________________________        Student ID: ______________________

Title of Project:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Start date / expected start date:________________________________________________________

Expected completion date:  ___________________________________________________________

This should be up to 150 words. Rather than introducing your topic, answer the following questions.

• Why did you decide to do this study?
• Why is this research important?
• What is your main claim or argument?

Up to 500 words reviewing the background of the topic which the study will address. Discuss the areas of relevant current literature in the area that you are planning to investigate, as well as literature relevant to the methodology you plan to use.

1)    Outline the broad field of study

2)    Summarise your literature review findings

3)    Present the particular topic of your interest within the identified field of study

4)    Justify the research method used (qualitative, quantitative, mixed)

The question(s) you intend to investigate in the project.

Describe data collection techniques (e.g. focus groups, survey, experiment), the sampling technique used, the number of participants, and methods of analysing information. Include as much detail of the actual research plan as possible (up to 700 words).

1)    What method(s) of data collection will you use and why?

2)    What sampling technique(s) will you use and why?

3)    How many participants will be involved?

4)    How long will this research take?

5)    Where will you conduct the research?

6)    What method(s) of data analysis will you use and why?

7)    How will your research findings be communicated back to the interested parties or participants? 

A brief account (up to 200 words) of the reasons how the specific group or the community sector as a whole may benefit from this research. Indicate who the potential users of the study findings will be, and how the study might be used to improve the organisation(s), group(s), or sector.

• Answer Who, Why and How may benefit of your research.

Include information on the ethical procedures that you will follow as defined by your School/Faculty. This should include information about the process of obtaining informed consent. (up to 100 words).

Provide a timeline that indicates when you expect aspects of the work to be undertaken (assume).

Indicate what you have learnt throughout the semester.  (up to 300 words).

1)    What aspect of applied business research have you found interesting and enjoyed learning about? 

2)    What have you struggled with?

3)    Explain why students may find research difficult and overwhelming? 

REPORT

Outstanding

Excellent

Good

Satisfactory

Poor/Unsatisfactory

Mark

Presentation

Grammar

Spelling

References

(10%)

Proposal is logical in its construction with no spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

Proposal is mostly logical in its construction with 1 or 2 consistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

Proposal is relatively easy to follow with 3 or 4 consistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

Proposal has all components, but is not logical in its construction or has a numerous inconsistent spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.

Aspects of the proposal are missing or so poorly written due to numerous spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors so meaning is unclear.

Abstract (10%)

The purpose of the research is concisely elaborated. Original and highly relevant topic is clearly articulated.

The purpose of the research is well selected. Clearly relevant topic is determined.

The purpose of the research is identified and mostly relevant to the project.

The purpose of the research is described in broad terms only and lacks in clarity or focus.

The purpose of the research is missing or so poorly written so meaning is unclear.

Background to study (20%)

Creative and highly organised literature review that outlines the background and context for the research project. Critical reading of the key literature clearly evident throughout.

Well argued and logical literature review that provides a good overview of the background and context for the research project. Evaluation of key literature quite evident throughout.

Good range of literature examined throughout presentation that is mostly relevant to the project’s background and context. Key studies contrasted but little evidence of evaluation.

Points are supported with relevant literature, but scope of literature review is limited, as is background and context for project. Some key studies not referred to at all or only inferred.

The quality of the literature referred to is questionable or not relevant to the project’s background or context. Few key studies referred to.

Research questions. Project Design (30%)

Original research questions are clearly articulated.

Creative and highly appropriate methodology is clearly articulated and justified.

Clearly relevant hypotheses or research questions are determined.

Methodology is well argued and justified.

Relevant hypotheses or research questions outlined, but could be tighter in their focus.

Methodology is explained and appropriate for the project.

Hypotheses and research questions outlined but lacking in clarity or focus.

An appropriate methodology is broadly outlined, but details are not always clear.

Hypotheses/research questions are missing or poorly written.

The methodology is either not appropriate for the project or is poorly articulated suggesting deficits in understanding.

Project Implications,

Timeline,

Ethical Approval

(10%)

Project is original in its approach and will contribute to discipline development. Significance emerges logically from construction of argument in addition to being clearly articulated.

Project is justified and will consolidate understanding in discipline. Significance emerges from construction of argument in addition to being articulated.

Project is relevant and will consolidate student’s understanding of discipline. Significance does not emerge easily in argument but it is evident in addition to being outlined.

Project replicates well established understanding in discipline. Significance is stated but does not emerge from argument.

Project is too simplistic or disorganised to offer any significance.

Your own learning  (20%)

Evidence of careful thought and detailed material presented.  

Material is well presented.

Most questions are answered but some details are missing.

Material is presented in a very sketchy way.

Some sections/ answers on certain questions are missing, poorly written

Sub Total_____             

PRESENTATION

Outstanding

Excellent

Good

Satisfactory

Poor/Unsatisfactory

Mark

Delivery

Eye-Contact

Use of cue cards

Interaction with audience

Knows the topic and key ideas

Good vocal variety

(70%)

Visual aids  

(15%)

Response to Questions 

(15%)

Sub Total _____                                                                                    Overall Mark: ______