Critically evaluate differing research methods

Assignment Questions:

You are required to submit a research proposal. The content of the document produced by each student is required to cover specific areas and to be within specific maximum word lengths (marks allocation and lengths in brackets) as follows:-

1. Title and Introduction: form a clear title for the proposed research. Outline the background to the industry and/or company to be researched as well as the problem or issue identified for research.

2. Explain the Significance of and rationale for the proposed research.

3. Research Questions: Construct the research questions to be addressed in the proposed research.

4. Research Objectives and Framework: State SMART research objectives to achieve your proposed research questions. Construct a proposed research model or conceptual framework to achieve the research objectives.

5. Literature Review: Using cited literature and other evidence sources, write your own critical review to complete a discussion of the contribution and discoveries made to extend your understanding of the research problem/issue. Make conclusions about the value of the literature review to your research topic and associated research questions.

6. Research Methodology and Design: Propose a relevant research design with a detailed explanation of research methods, sampling and sample size, data types and sources of information and data collection methods.

7. Ethical Considerations: identify potential ethical challenges involved and initiatives proposed to prevent breach of research ethics.

8. Outcomes: State the expected outcomes from the research proposal.

9. Timeline and Gantt chart: Construct a Gantt chart in weeks which includes the stages and mile stones of the research tasks and their respective time allocations.

10. References (protocols & formatting): Using the Harvard referencing system throughout, provide references and evidence sources and use appropriate academic protocol for the proposal.

Report Structure –

• Executive summary
• Table of Contents
• Title and Introduction
• Explain the Significance
• Research Questions
• Research Objectives and Framework
• Literature Review
• Research Methodology and Design
• Ethical Considerations
• Outcomes
• Timescale and Gantt chart
• References (Protocol & Formatting)
• Appendix

Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Formulate research questions and describe and critically evaluate differing research methods, including the formation of hypotheses, or other research models, or paradigms and justify the selection and use of specific research methodologies;
• Integrate and plan key research activities and schedules including the setting of timetables and research objectives, and the acceptance of accountability for all aspects of the conduct of a research project.
• Understand the importance of, and be able to effectively demonstrate skills in, the conventions which are required for the carrying out of a major research project including the design of experimental and non-experimental research projects; the preparation of an integrated research proposal and effectively manage the design and delivery of this.
• Comprehend and critically evaluate the differentiation between qualitative and quantitative methods as they are used in research design and evaluate the appropriateness of their application, use, and value in differing aspects of business functions and requirements.
• Critically appraise the importance of, and the definitions and nature of, primary and secondary data, and be able to plan for (a) the selection, collection, or creation of data for interpretation and data analysis; and (b) critically analyse, interpret and manipulate data, and (c) synthesis results and interpretation of data and form conclusions.
• Assimilate and review an appropriate range of literature sources and other appropriate sources/evidential materials.
• Identify the underlying principles of various analytical methods commonly applied in business and management research;
• Select appropriate analytical techniques according to the nature of the research;
• Compute descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS;
• Be able to communicate effectively in, numeric, verbal and literary form to a variety of audiences using appropriate business language, terminology, and concepts including Construct questionnaires, evaluate their reliability, and analyse and evaluate the data produced (quantitative/qualitative or other).