Working Title – the title should simply and concisely summarise the research question.
business
Description
Assignment 1 – Outline of Proposed
Work Based Learning Project (40%)
a) Working Title – the title
should simply and concisely summarise the research question.
b) Background to the Research
- this
section has three main functions. First, it needs to introduce the reader to
the research issue or problem, addressing the question, ‘what am I going to
do?’ Second, it needs to provide justification for your research, answering the
question, ‘why is this research significant?’ Finally, it needs to demonstrate
how the proposed topic relates to what has been done before in this subject
area.
c) Research
question, aim and objectives – the research question is the most critical part
of your research proposal. A clearly defined research question will guide your literature
review, data collection and analysis. As such, the earlier you develop a
precise research question the better. A poorly defined research question can
confuse and misdirect your research efforts.
d) Research Methodology
– this section should address the question, ‘how shall I conduct my research?’ It
is essential to explain why you have chosen your research methodology and data
collection techniques. Your explanation should be justified by reference to the
research methods literature.
e) Timescale – outline
a timetable for executing all elements of the research project. This will help
you to assess the viability of your research proposal.
f) References - this includes an alphabetical list using American
Psychological Association (APA) Referencing System of all
material cited in your research proposal.
Appendices – as part of Assignment 1 you are
asked to conduct and include in the appendices a critical analysis of a text relevant
to your research topic (e.g. journal article, business press). As part of the
critical analysis you have to answer four questions: What type of literature is
this? What is being claimed? To what extent is there backing for claims? What
is my evaluation of the text in relation to my research question?
