In preparation for your final research project to complete your HND, you are to prepare a research proposal using the standard Research Proposal Template on Moodle relating to a specified area of business. The proposal should include the following:
- An identification of the research question or hypothesis with justification for choice
- Background to the research question
- A justification of the chosen methodology in terms of the research question
- Specification of the research methodology that you intend to follow which should include both secondary and primary research
- Details of how you will project manage your research
- Identification of risk factors and how you will mitigate them
- Description of the Quality Control measures that you intend to employ
- A statement of any problems, assumptions or limitations that you foresee
- An action plan for each stage of the research with target dates and methods for monitoring and planning
- A code of ethics for the conduct of the study
- Referencing List
Your research supervisor will guide you through the process and assist you in your selection of a suitable topic area. The proposal should be submitted to your research supervisor on 8th December 2013 complete with Turnitin certificate and references Secondary Literature Review to be submitted on 5th January 2014 complete with Turnitin certificate and list of references
Having finalised your research question you will need to conduct your research using a variety of primary and secondary sources. Your research methodology (ies) should be clearly stated in order to fully investigate and satisfy the research question. Defining your parameters and scope of research should be evident as well as having a detailed plan in place. You will be required to attend reviews with your research supervisor at which you will be expected to present new research acquired/conducted and revise further research requirements and schedules. In order to have sufficient time to analyse your primary and secondary data, you should have aim to complete your data collection by 2nd February 2014. You should then analyse and interpret your data using appropriate techniques and methods which support the research questions.
Finally you are required to record and present your findings in a formal written research report using a variety of diagrams or charts to assist where necessary. You are also required to evaluate your methodology and findings critically in relation to your original research question and recommend further related research that could be conducted on the basis of your experience. You will be required to attend progress meetings throughout this period to update your supervisors on your progress.