Formal Research v. Business Proposal

Part 1

The term "formal research" traditionally refers to conducting an experiment under controlled conditions in order to discover, demonstrate or test a hypothesis. On the other hand, a "business proposal" is considered the systematic gathering of information with the intent of arriving at an optimal solution for a given problem or situation. Each one has its application and value in the business setting, yet there are also attributes that are unique to each one.

For the first part of this assignment, compare and contrast the theoretical and practical differences between "formal research" and "business proposals". What are some commonalities? What are some differences? What are the capabilities of one in contrast with the capabilities of the other? Use sources available on the web, the library from the textbook to support your arguments and remember to include these sources in the references section of your paper.

While you are working on the assignment, read the article "The Disconnect Between the Science and the Practice of Management" for additional assistance on the subject.

Part 2

For this second part, search one of the five testable statements(hypothesis) listed below and conduct a survey of the literature using one of the article collections (databases) in the Library. Based upon the elements of how to construct a literature review suggested in the Sekaran textbook and additional sources, prepare an actual 3-4 page Literature Review (Step 2 of the Sekaran process) that address the most relevant findings reported in research articles which address, support, or refute your chosen hypothesis. Pick one of the following hypotheses to compose your Literature Review:

H1: There is no relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty.

H2: A significant relationship exists between the age of the workforce and increased levels of job satisfaction.

H3: There is a statistically significant relationship between the emotional quotient (as measured by the emotional intelligence scale) and the age of business administration students.

H4: There is no relationship between a sense of employee empowerment and productivity.

H5: Education level is positively related to the levels of stress in the job.