research design and proposal writing

Apr 12, 2023 1Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development Superior University Lahore

Research Design &

Proposal Writing

Apr 12, 2023 2Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development Superior University Lahore

Session Objectives

After this session you will be able to

◦ Understand what is meant by research design◦ What is a proposal◦ Why to write a proposal◦ How to write a proposal

3Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development Superior

University LahoreApr 12, 2023

Session Outline

4Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development Superior University Lahore

Research design Introduction Purpose statement Objectives of the research Significance of the study Methodology and Methods Research questions and hypothesis limitations and delimitation Ethical consideration

Proposal why proposal Structure of proposal

Apr 12, 2023

RESEARCH DESIGNA plan of what data to gather, from whom, how

and when to collect the data, and how to analyze the data obtained

Components of Research Design1. Introduction2. Purpose statement3. Objectives of the research4. Significance of the study5. Methodology and Methods6. Research questions and hypothesis7. Limitations and delimitation

1. The Introduction

Apr 12, 2023 6Azra Naheed Center for Research and

Development Superior University Lahore

Components of introduction◦ Background of the study◦ The research problem◦ Studies that have addressed the problem◦ Deficiencies in the studies◦ The significance of the study

Introduction is the opening part of the proposal that justifies the problem to be researched and clarifies the significance of the proposed study in order to establish a base for research.

2. Purpose Statement

7Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development

Superior University Lahore

The purpose statement indicates “why you want to do the

study and what you intend to accomplish”(Locke et al, 2000)

Why Purpose StatementIt is the most important statement in an entire research study.

• It conveys the overall intention of a proposed study.• It establishes the direction for the research. Qualitative ResearchIn qualitative research we use the worlds like explore, understand, or discover and we have focus on single phenomena.Quantitative ResearchIn quantitative research we use words like determine, identify, or compare and we have focus on comparing and relating two or more variables. Mixed Methods ResearchIn Mixed methods research we focus on both qualitative and quantitative research and mention the design with rationale

Apr 12, 2023

3.Objectives of the study



Objectives can be

Main objectivesSub objectives

Objectives are the steps you are going to take to answer your research questions to fulfill the purpose of the research study

Significance of the study



A significance sections elaborates on the importance and implication of a study for researcher, practitioners, and policy maker. In designing the section one might include

◦ 3 or 4 ways in which the study adds to scholarly research and literature in the field

◦ 3 or 4 ways in which the study helps improve practice ◦ 3 or 4 reasons why the study will improve policy

Methodology and MethodsThe methodology includes the methods, procedures, and techniques used to collect and analyze information. It should generally include statements about:

◦ Site and sample ◦ Methods of data collection◦ Data analysis procedures

Why Methodology◦ it clarifies the procedures and methods of data

collection and analysis◦ It increases the efficiency and authenticity of

the research

Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development Superior University LahoreApr 12, 2023 10

Theory



Theory is the standard principle that defines the relationship of two or more variables

Qualitative Research: In case of qualitative research theory is an outcome of the whole research process by finding the answers to the research questionsQuantitative ResearchIn case of quantitative research theory is used as bases to be verified through the acceptance or rejection of hypothesis using statistical results.Mixed Methods Researchin case of Mixed Methods Research theory is both developed and also verified.

Research Questions and HypothesisResearch questions are

interrogative statements or questions that the researcher seeks to answer

Hypothesis are predictive statements that the researcher holds about the relationship among variables to be tested



Limitations and DelimitationsLimitations:

possible weaknesses of the study that were not / could not be controlled.

Delimitations: boundaries set by the researcher that

limit the generalizability of findings.



Ethical Considerations



Ethics are the standards of behavior to be adopted while interacting to other people during research in a way that

People must be respected and seen not as passive sources of data but as people whose rights and welfare must be protected.

Physical risk, psychological harm must be minimized.

Risks and benefits from studies should be distributed fairly and evenly in populations. Why Ethical Considerations

The aim of discussing research ethics is to encourage integrity in the conduct of business Research and practices among of scientists, scholars, and professionals

INTRODUCTION TO

BRM MODULE



Course Objectives To introduce the basic philosophical and methodological

approaches currently used as a foundation for research in Business, Management and Social Sciences.

To discuss critically the conventional distinction between “quantitative and qualitative” research and its usefulness in planning and evaluating research.

To develop the skills of literature review and critical analysis of research reports by giving practical exposure to locating literature and reviewing critically by argumentation, reading analysis and mapping.

To provide a comprehensive knowledge about the research design including introduction, purpose statement, research questions, hypothesis, use of theory limitations and significance for the development of rationale in research.

To provide a comprehensive understanding about quantitative research and develop their skills in different areas like operationalization, quantitative methods and ensure the reliability and validity of the data.



Cont…. To make a clear understanding for the use of SPSS (which

is related to their previous course “Quantitative Techniques”).

To provide a comprehensive understanding about qualitative research and develop their skills in using valid and reliable qualitative methods.

To discuss various ways of designing research which focuses on the purpose of research, the use of theory and the research significance, its limitations and delimitations.

To present a range of ethical issues relevant to the conduct and publication of research.

To give an introduction of Nvivo (for qualitative data analysis).



Classification Topics

Knowledge and Comprehension

At the end of this module, successful students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of: A range of methodological approaches and philosophical assumptions to organizational

and professional research. Ways of formulating and defining business and management research problems,

significance or limitations. Understanding of Literature Review and critical Analysis Issues in, and methods of, research design. The importance of ethics and values in business research. The requirements for effective analysis and interpretation of quantitative, qualitative

data and mixed methods.

Application and Skills

At the end of this module, the successful students will be able to: Make informed decisions about different research approaches, strategies, design and

methods which are relevant to different purposes To write a literature review related to business research problems. To conduct interviews and interpret them to develop results. To conduct surveys and develop analysis & interpretation of them. Write a successful research proposal which outlines and evaluates the research process

and method(s) most appropriate to investigate the student’s own research questions/subject.

Analysis and Synthesis

At the end of this module successful students will be able to: Critically evaluate the range of qualitative and quantitative data and information

collection strategies in a meaningful manner to solve problems. To analyze the research and findings of other people. Analyze the quantitative & Qualitative data for interpretation of results.



Final AssignmentTO DEVELOP A RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR AN APPROVED RESEARCH PROBLEM Guidelines and Assessment Criteria: Write a research proposal for a specific project of research,

addressing in an analytical way, the following issues:(a) Abstract(b) Aims of the investigation:

Including the need for / value of the research(c) Problem formulation:

Relevant social / business context Main research questions / hypothesesBrief summary of theoretical / conceptual bases of the project Target population of interest

(d) Selective literature review: Brief summary (max. 3000 words) of the areas to be addressed, and of illustrative resources, including selective bibliography in recognized format(e) Initial choice of methodological approach * and research strategy (ies)(f) Fieldwork: An outline (only) of plans for methods of data production / sources, and for negotiating access

(g) Research design:

Outline of plans for indicators / descriptors for key concepts Methods for ruling out alternative explanations (or descriptions) Sampling procedures / selection of cases (organizations or individuals)

(h) Discussion of issues of validity and reliability – or alternative criteria for research quality (to be clearly

specified)(i) Ethical and other commitments:

Brief discussion of any major ethical or legal dilemma and political or organizational constraints etc.



Presentation The aim of the presentation is to allow students to gain constructive feedback from their

peers regarding their comparative reports as well as allowing them to demonstrate their presentation skills. The structure of the presentation will largely mirror the structure of the report and thus contain the comparison on the basis of three basic research approaches i.e. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.

Points to consider when marking presentations are:◦ Timing of presentation.◦ Clarity of concepts.◦ Structure of the presentation.◦ Quality of overheads, handouts etc. ◦ Application of theory to practice.◦ Ability to answer questions effectively.◦ Use of sources of information.

Criteria of Assessment Clarity and conciseness of your specification of various aspects of the proposal. The relation of details of your research design specifically to the aims of your particular

study (That is, credit will not be given for the production of generalities about research design that are unrelated to any particular study).

Justification of key decisions made. Completeness of coverage of guidelines.



Weighting: 20 Marks◦ Guidelines (a,b,c) (5% + 5% + 15%) 25%◦ Guidelines (d,e) 15% ◦ Guidelines (f,g) 40% ◦ Guideline (h) 10%◦ Presentation (including bibliography in a recognized format) 10%

Length: Maximum 6000 words, plus references (at most 10) in selective bibliography (based on

selective literature review).

Weightage: 30% (project: 20%, presentation: 10%)

Due dates: 13th Week

Short Working Draft: 11th Week (This draft only: max. 2000 words, submitted electronically to module tutor by the time

announced; any draft submitted after that would not be given any feedback).

Final Draft: To be announced later.9. Reference Material



PROPOSAL WRITING



ProposalProposal is the written document that describes the topic, Problem, design, and methodologies to be adopted to conduct the proposed research.

Why Proposal

The development of proposal for any research study is essential because • It allows the researcher to plan and review

the steps of the project.• It serves as a guide throughout the

investigation.• It forces time and budget estimates



Outline of the structure of a proposal

1. Title

2. Introduction• Background of the study (Sectoral Brief)• The research problem• Studies that have addressed the problem• Deficiencies in the studies• The significance of the study• The purpose statement

3. Purpose• The purpose or study, aim of the project and reasons for

the research design• The research questions and hypotheses

4. Philosophical Foundations worldview and philosophical assumptions for using specific

research approach.

5. Literature Review



Outline of the structure of a proposal

6. Methodology and Methods

• Site and sample • Data collection procedures • Data analysis procedures

7. Potential Ethical issues8. Reference and appendixes



research design and proposal writing

Education

research significance

research and11

research process

methods research questions

entire research study

variables qualitative

research problem studies

study methodology