PRO PO SAL TI TL E
Banner: XXXXXXX
Word Count: XXXXXXX
Business Research Skills
(Course Code: BUSN09050)
Session: 2018 / 2019
Campus: XXXXXXX
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Abstract
 One page summary of your proposal
 Typically three paragraphs
o Outline the topic and background
o What is you prospective methodological profile?
o Pilot Study info
 General results found and the:
o Benefits
o Implications
o Recommendations
…expected with this potential study
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Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Background 1
2.1 Purpose 1
2.2 Aim and Objectives 1
3. Literature Review 1
4. Methodology 1
4.1 Approach 1
4.2 Philosophy 1
4.3 Strategy 1
4.4 Design 1
4.5 Sampling and Access 1
5. Data Collection 1
6. Analysis 1
7. Ethical Considerations 1

8.1 Theory 1
8.2 Practice 1
8.3 Policy 1
9. References 1
10.Appendix 1
10.1 Research Timeline 1
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1. Introduction
 Introducing the proposal
 Lightly introducing the core topic / discipline / research problem
 Outlining the contents of the proposal
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2. Background
 A short sentence or two introducing the contents of this section
2.1 Purpose
 Introducing the overall purpose of this proposal:
o Why is the topic worthwhile?
o Who does it involves?
o Etc.
2.2 Aim and Objectives
 Outline the aim of your proposal
o Around 20-25 words maximum
 Outline the objectives of your proposal
o 4-5 objectives
o No more than 5, not less than 3
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3. Literature Review
 A section of clearly and academically written paragraphs, statements,
some direct quotations and paraphrased discussion
 Expected here:
o Description of the general to focussed aspects of your topic
o Compare and contrast of arguments
o Criticality and reasoning of key arguments and discussion
points within your chosen field
o All above must be cited to published, peer-reviewed work
 Articles
 Textbook publications
 Appropriate media, online sources
 Week 5 slides and worksheets, for guidance
o Sections and sub-sections (thematic or otherwise) are expected
within this part of the proposal
o Is there a definitive literature review process? Discuss and
source back to a similar process within your own researched
field/topic
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4. Methodology
 A short sentence or two introducing the contents of this section
4.1 Approach
 Introduce
 Identify
 Justify
 Reference
4.2 Philosophy
 Introduce
 Identify
 Justify
 Reference
4.3 Strategy
 Introduce
 Identify
 Justify
 Reference
4.4 Design
 Introduce
 Identify
 Justify
 Reference
4.5 Sampling and Access
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 Introduce
 Identify
 Justify
 Reference
Conclude section as to why this fits the purpose and aim/objectives, etc.
5. Data Collection
Outline the pilot study process, what happened, etc. Citing relevant articles
and sources which encourages this methodology and type of pilot strategy.
 Reference to the appendix for relevant information is expected
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6. Analysis
 Briefly analyse the pilot study data and discuss here
 Detail, and justify, the expected analytical method for the potential
project
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7. Ethical Considerations
 A short sentence or two introducing the contents of this section
7.1 Limitations
Discuss this, given the pilot study conducted and the experience, as well as
typical limitations witnessed within your field of study
7.2 Validity
To what extent is validity achieved with this proposal, the pilot study, and
for any potential future study
7.3 Relevance v. Rigour
Consider the relevance and rigour balance associated with this proposal, the
pilot study, and for any potential future study
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8. Research Impact and Value
 A short sentence or two introducing the contents of this section
8.1 Theory
How does this potential research project impact/add value to
related/relevant theory?
8.2 Practice
How does this potential research project impact/add value to
related/relevant practice?
8.3 Policy
How does this potential research project impact/add value to
related/relevant policy?
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9. References
Alphabetical listing of all references, using the UWS Harvard style and
presentation
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10. Appendix
10.1 Research Timeline
In addition to displaying a research timeline, you should include:
 An illustration of any literature review process
 Stakeholder analysis
 Research questioning
 Raw data
 Analytical method