The Research Proposal

Overview

This lecture aims to:

• Provide an insight into the structure and content of a research proposal

• Brief students about their research proposal

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1. Research Title

2. Background

3. Research Aim and Objectives

4. Proposed Methodology / Research Design

5. Ethical Considerations (if any)

6. Project Management

7. References

The Components in a Research Proposal

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1 The Research Project Title

‘Does what it does on the tin’

• Concise

• Specific

• Self-explanatory

• Try to catch attention

Research Project Title Examples

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“Modelling and Measuring Dynamic Capabilities’

Household robotics: autonomous devices for vacuuming and lawn mowing

Gardens and gardening in a fast-changing urban environment: Manchester 1790-1850

Pause

Spend five minutes now to drafting a title to your research topic.

Try to apply the advice you have just been listening to.

Pause the recording while you do this.

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Two major components:

1) Practical Problem / Opportunity / Issue

2) Academic Research / Theory

2 The Background…

The Background…

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Practical Problem / Opportunity / Issue

• Describe and justify the problem / opportunity

• Justify why its so important to research

• Use more professional based references

Pause

Spend five to ten minutes now to brainstorming a number of points which could help justify the importance of your research topic.

Pause the recording while you do this.

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The Background…

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Academic Research / Literature Review

• Critical review of the literature associated with outlined problem / opportunity

• Needs to mainly be journal papers / books only ok

• Question if or how the research helps understand or solve the problem/opportunity outlined

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Academic Research / Literature Review

• Question and justify why current theory/research does NOT help solve your problem / opportunity

• Justify where and why current theory/research DOES help solve your problem / opportunity

The Background…

Pause

Spend five to ten minutes now, brainstorming keywords which you think could be used to search for academic literature.

Pause the recording while you do this.

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Aim:

Simple sentence, or two, which outlines direction of research

“An investigation into the way in which social media is transforming how customers demand more from businesses. Particular, focus will be placed upon the changing expectations of customers and how these may ‘push’ the business into new ways of working.”

3 Research Aim and Objectives…

Pause

Spend five to ten minutes minutes drafting a research aim for the topic you are intending to pursue for your research project.

Pause the recording while you do this.

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Research Aim and Objectives (contd)

Research Objectives:

• Tends to be around 4 or 5 objectives (no fixed number)

• 1st links to a review of the literature

• Last links to discussing implications and making recommendations to various parties

• Middle objectives link to research activities

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Research Aim and Objectives…

Research Objectives Examples:

• To critically review the literature concerning dynamic capabilities and business agility

• To identify how customer expectations are influencing business practices

• To investigate the expectations of customers in this dynamic environment

• To discuss the implications of customer expectations and make recommendations to government, business and academia

Pause

Spend five to ten minutes now putting together a draft set of research objectives for your research project.

Pause the recording while you do this.

Make sure you follow the advice you have just heard

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4 Proposed Method / Research Design

• Detail description and justification

• So detailed anyone could undertake your research based on the proposal

• Justify why the activities you have selected are the most appropriate

• Must link research activities directly to your objectives

Proposed Method / Research Design

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Research Design should cover:

Research Method: e.g. interviews, survey

Data Collection: e.g. recording, journal

entries

Data Analysis: e.g. SPSS

Pause

Spend five minutes to ten minutes now planning out the possible research methods you may wish to use for for your research project.

Think of reasons why each research method would be the most advantageous within the context of your specific topic.

Pause the recording while you do this. 20

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Project Management

Planning your research project:

• Timescales – Gantt chart

• Resources required

• Risks and how to overcome them (self critical here)

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Pause

Spend five minutes to ten minutes now planning out your research project.

Think about:• Timescales

• Resources

• Potential problems

Pause the recording while you do this.

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5 Ethical Issues

• Outline any ethical issues

• Migrating strategies to overcome any issues discussed

Pause

Spend five minutes to ten minutes now thinking if there could be any ethical issues related to your proposed research topic

Pause the recording while you do this.

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6 References

• References – Harvard system

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Essential work for next week

• Please consult the OLE for details of:– Essential readings*

– Seminar/workshop preparation work*

– Recommended further readings

– Any additional learning

* Essential readings and preparation work must always be completed in time for the next session

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End of presentation

© Pearson College 2013