Research Proposal Assignment
Students will work in groups of up to 2 members and submit a 2,000 word written report (equivalent to 1,000 words per member) on a research proposal. If you are intended to work individually then you need to write 1500 words however you will loose 5% marks for not working in a group.
Example of Research Proposal Assignment: Desire is the motivating force behind much of luxury consumption. Select a type of luxury consumption and write a research proposal on how do consumers interpret the meaning of luxury desire?
Do NOT answer each of the questions below in the table individually. Please answer them in a report format. That is the answers should be contained in paragraphs addressing the issues raised by the questions in the table below.
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Decisions to make
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Questions to be answered
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Problem definition
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What is the purpose of the study?
- to understand what type of consumption?
- meaning of luxury consumption?
- to indicate the consumer segments?
What is to be measured? How?
Is it possible to collect or generate the data required?
Should research be conducted?
Can a research question or hypothesis be formulated? |
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Literature review
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Any relevant theories regarding luxury consumption?
Minimum five literatures to ground the luxury concept and
Find the 'research gap'.
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Selection of basic research design/Methodology
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What types of questions need to be answered?
What is the source of the data? Primary data? Secondary data?
If generating primary data, what type of information is going to be collected?
How quickly can the information be collected? What is the timeframe? |
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Selection of sample
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Who, what and/or where are the best sources of data?
Can the tnhi aayiarget population be identified?
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Type of report
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Who will read the report? Academics? Marketing Manager? Etc.
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Overall evaluation
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How many hours of labour are required to gather the data and write the report?
How many weeks will it take to do the research? Is this an acceptable timeframe?
Will the recommended research design attain the stated research objectives?
When should the research be conducted? |
Presentation
Proposal is logical in its construction with no spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors.
Aims and objectives
Aims and objectives are concisely elaborated.
Original and highly relevant hypotheses or research questions are clearly articulated (if appropriate).
Background and literature review
Creative and highly organised literature review that outlines the background and context for the research project. Critical reading of the key literature clearly evident throughout.
Methodology
Creative and highly appropriate methodology is clearly articulated and justified.
Timeline and significance
Project is original in its approach and will contribute to knowledge development. Significance emerges logically from construction of argument in addition to being clearly articulated.