Research Project Proposal Requires Candidates to Research a Preferred area/topic of Business relevant to their Level 8 degree: Business Research Project Research Paper, UCD, Ireland

This research project proposal requires candidates to research a preferred area/topic of business relevant to their Level 8 degree. Students must prepare a proposal outlining all the elements for conducting a larger research project.  The project proposal will form the basis of a more comprehensive research project to be undertaken in Semester 2.

Students must discuss their proposals with the lecturer regularly. Research questions will change over time and research areas will evolve.

Student Requirements – Use these headings in your proposal.

1. Table of Contents – use headings and subheadings.

2. Project Background and Rationale – What area are you focusing on, and why?  What areas of your program are directly linked to the area under investigation? Set the context in this section. Why would it be relevant to the reader? Does it have a global, local application? (approx. 200 words)

Research questions:

Outline your overarching research question.

Include a maximum of two sub-research questions.

3. Initial Literature Review – Think about which sources of information you intend to use in this project?  Is there sufficient, up-to-date, accessible, information available to assist you?  What are your initial literature review findings? Is there are gap in the information?

Give introduction and main literature review. This literature review requires in-text Harvard referencing. Critical analysis is essential to maximize grade. Refer to class discussion and notes regarding how to write a review. Analyze relevant theorists, models, academic research etc. Analysis and interpretation are very important, showcase your research. (approx. 2,000 words)

4. Research Methodology and Methods

What methodology do you propose to use for the research project, and why? Justify your choice based on the evidence. What types of findings will sufficiently address your research questions?  How will you collect data, and how will you analyse it? This section requires referencing and evidence of external reading. (approx. 250 words)

5. Ethical Issues

Are there any legal issues concerning the data and information you propose to research and present in your project? Ethical toolkit. Are there ethical issues that need to be addressed, such as causing harm to anyone directly, or indirectly, involved in the proposed project? GDPR? Management/security of data? This section requires referencing. (approx. 200 words)

6. Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning

With regard to data collection, do you believe you will obtain permission to collect data using the tools you have proposed?  Do you have a contingency plan if your data collection or research plan is blocked?  Do you have sufficient knowledge in the area that you are investigating to complete this project?  Is there sufficient time, and resources, to complete this project in Semester 2?  With regard to your project and its associated data, how will you secure and protect it? Gantt chart is useful (approx. 200 words)