Business research proposal
Research Methodology &
Coursework 2
Business Research Methods (C19RH)
Tutorial 6
Coursework Two: The Research
Proposal
• Your second assignment in this course is to complete the Methodology section of your research proposal.
• It is a ‘PROPOSED’ methodology
• The submission date is Wednesday the 4th of December 2019 by 4pm.
Why care about Methodology?
• This is the section of your proposal that explains how you will carry out
your research, where your data will come from, and what data gathering
techniques – justifying why you are taking a specific approach
• The method must be appropriate to fulfilling the overall aims of the study
• The reader wants to know that the data was collected or generated in a
way that is consistent with accepted practice in the field of study.
• Unreliable method produces unreliable results and, as a consequence,
undermines the value of your findings
• Should discuss the problems that are anticipated and the steps you
took to prevent them from occurring
The Essential Components
Framing the study
– Short Introduction (remind
the reader of your topic)
– Research Philosophy
– Data Collection Methods
– Data Analysis Techniques
– Ethical Considerations
Research Philosophy
• What is research philosophy and why is it important?
• Which paradigm will your research be rooted within?
– Positivism vs Interprevetism
• Provide an overview of that paradigm and why it is relevant to your study?
– Remember to mention ontology and epistemology
P o
s it
iv is
m v
s .
In te
rp re
ti v
is m
Data Collection Method (i)
Quantitative
• Surveys/questionnaires
Qualitative
• Interviews (semi- structured/unstructured)
• Focus Groups
• Observational Research
• Documentation
• Netnography
Data Collection Method (ii)
• What is the method?
• Why this method?
• Advantages and disadvantages of this method.
• What issues do you need to consider if you are
embracing this method?
• Awareness that other approaches are available.
Data Analysis Technique (i)
Once your data has been collected it must then
be processed and analysed so it can be used as
meaningful and useful information that informs
your study
Data Analysis Techniques: Quantitative Research
Surveys and Questionnaires
SPSS
Data Analysis Techniques: Qualitative Research
Examples Include:
– Coding
• Thematic Analysis
• Template Analysis
– Narrative Analysis
– Discourse Analysis
Ethical Implications
• Examples Include:
– Informed Consent
– Risk assessment
– Storage of private information (confidentiality)
– Right to Withdraw
– Maintenance of objectivity
– Personal Reflexivity – keep a journal/diary
Remember 20-30 references
It should be essay – 7-8 references for each of
the below section
1. Philosophy
2. Data collection
3. Data analysis technique
4. Research Ethics
Start Planning!!
• Think about your research topic?
• Think about the first two steps:
– What would you be your research
philosophy?
– How would you collect data to inform your
research?
Consider these Research Aims
• The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of experiences in
ecotourism accommodation on visitors’ environmental attitudes
and behavioural intentions.
• The aim of this study is to explore the influence of co-creation on
employee / customer relationships in Marriot Hotels in India.
• The aim of this research is to explore the impact of servant
leadership on bank employees service recovery performance.
What would your methodological steps be?