a. Clearly define the dependent and independent variables that are the focus of the team's study. The dependent variable is the variable whose value is the result or is a function of the control or independent variables.
b. State the null and alternative hypotheses and the theories that support these hypotheses that will be tested. You should also present the methodology that will be used to test these hypotheses.
c. Clearly define all primary and secondary data sources.
d. Compute the sample size required for the project and provide clear support for the criteria used to arrive at this figure.
e. Describe how you selected and produced your samples. Specifically, you must state how the data was selected, discuss a final plan or methodology to collect the data, describe the survey instruments that would be used to collect your samples, and indicate the analytical approach and test statistics that would be used to test your hypotheses.
f. Make final recommendations related to defining and explaining the problem and stating the hypotheses that will be tested.
g. Include an appendix for any related data and survey instruments. Additional work may include the analysis of the data, interpretation of the results, testing hypotheses, and recommendations based on this analysis