research proposal & dissertation writing

7/31/2019 Research Proposal & Dissertation Writing

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An Orientational Presentation by

F. Saruchera (Mr.)

Chinhoyi University of Technology

Department of Business Management & Entrepreneurship

October 18, 2012


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Ground Rules of the Workshop:

Maximum cooperationNotes-takingCell phones on silent OR switched off Minimum movementsMeaningful contributions/questions


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Aims and objectives of thePresentation.

To provide the prospective researcher with therequisite skills needed in conducting bothacademic and scientific researches.To inculcate the spirit of engaging in problem-solving researches which are vital in bothacademic and commercial spheres.To provide a firm foundation upon which studentscan confidently conduct their current and future

research projects and /or assignments.To create a complete astute graduate armed withboth theoretical as well practical knowledge inresearch and its application in business and

everyday life.


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Flashback: What is Research?

According to Sanders et al (2003),research refers to the collection of information on particular subject matter.

An active, diligent and systematicprocess of enquiry to discover, interpretand revive facts (Trochim, 2006).


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Research is

Active need for an active researcher who must be in touch with all therelevant stakeholders affecting or beingaffected by the researchDiligent the research must give out thebest possible results

An enquiry and a discovery A SYSTEMATIC PROCESS


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Research as a systematicprocess

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Define Research problem or question Decide on information sources and collection

strategy

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Locate your resources Gather your data

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Organize your data, write up Analyze & evaluate your write-up


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Why research?

# Solving societys or organization'sproblems.**

# Identification of new opportunities.# Discovering new knowledge frontiers.# Identification of gaps for further

research.#Enable management to make informed

decisions.


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SELECTING A RESEARCHTOPIC

HAVING IDENTIFIED THE RESEARCHPROBLEM, it is imperative to select a topic that issuitable and relevant to the subject field or disciplinein which the researcher is registered.It is the responsibility of the researcher to select thetopic and to then discuss the merits of the chosentopic with a subject specialist or project supervisor before writing the research proposal.The selection of a topic should depend on a

students short - and medium-term career plans.The student should find the topic interesting andworthwhile, and it should provide lasting intellectualstimulation


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Assessing the feasibility of aproposed Research Topic:

Considerations ASK YOURSELF:Does my topic have enough scope and depth?Is sufficient information available? - the topic must fallinto a broad scholarly field, i.e., there must be textbooks and journal literature available on the topic.Time availability? avoid too wide & unmanageabletopics e.g. Focusing on the international market.Do I possess the necessary skills and do I haveinterest in the research area? Are these sustainable?Whats the risk(s) involved? consider sensitivity of information required; nature of support you anticipate

from influential parties, supervisors / mentors,or anisations etc


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Cont..

#The title should be concise whileunambiguously reflecting the exact topic of

the research project / dissertation.# Fifteen words or less are normally sufficient.# Do not use single word titles for formal

research writing.


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# The more restricted the area of theinvestigation, the more the researcher needs to describe it adequately in the title.

#The title must be linguistically correct.In summary, the title must be:

Relevant, Appropriate,

Current, andSensibly demarcated.


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Important considerationsTime limitations Time required for the completionof the project must be taken into account. Project difficulty Pick a simple but soundexperiment to develop research skills.

Subject availability Be sure that the type of subject (research unit) required is available. Relevance/Topicality Research must berelevant. To test the topicality of the research, askthe questions: So what? Who willbenefit? Relevance and topicality are oftenindicated by the abundance of recent literature,although this does not necessarily mean there ispractical/economic/social value.


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Cont.. Originality The topic must be original withinreason. The research need not necessarilygenerate radically new knowledge, but it mustincrease and/or consolidate existing knowledge. Cost Feasibility : Assess feasibility within respectto cost considerations.. Funds for running costsmust be available. Technical Expertise- Expertise in the field must beavailable (supervisor/promoter).Testability Must be able to turn the problem intooperationally definable or measurable terms.

AVOID OVER-RESEARCHED AREAS e.g.Motivation, Staff turnover, CRM, Internet business,

service quality....unless you can fully justify the gap


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WRITING ARESEARCH

PROPOSAL (RP)


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RP:-What it is why?RP a written plan / outline for an intendedresearch projectHelps in planning of the overall project putssome discipline for the researcher through

ensuring that all stages are considered & anallowance is made for everythingGives a brief insight into what the researcher intends to do, why (rationale), how (researchmethodology) etc

Acts as a guide to the research projectDemonstrates competences of the researcher

Helps in obtaining financial support


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COMPONENTS/STEPS

Identify / establish the research problemDevelop a Research Topic (as per guidelines given)Title page

See Sample Research Title Page.doc
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Research%20Title%20Page.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Research%20Title%20Page.doc


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1.0 Introduction

Provides readers with the backgroundinformation for the research reported in thepaper. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understandhow it is related to other research (Wilkinson,1991: 96).In an introduction, the writer should

create reader interest in the topic,lay the broad foundation for the problem that leads tothe study,place the study within the larger context of thescholarly literature, andreach out to a specific audience (Creswell, 1994:42).

A description of the proposal structure may alsobe outlined


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1.1 Background to the Research Problem

It is necessary to provide the reader with some measureof background information relevant to the topic including:Broad environmental factors contributing to theresearch problemE.g. economic recession, consumer education, marketchanges etcParadigm shift or changes in the economy, market or industry leading to the research problem

This is the section that contextualizes the question and

supplies the history and terminology so that the reader willbe better able to follow the pages to come.It is often more engaging to use a topic-specific title for asection (subtitles) on background information, e.g. AGeneral Overview of the Pre -advent of theParadigm Shift etc


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1.2 Problem Statement

A problem might be defined as the issue that existsin the literature, theory, or practice that leads to aneed for the study (Creswell, 1994: 50).It is important in a proposal that the problem stands

out - that the reader can easily recognize it.A problem statement should be presented within a

context, and that context should be provided andbriefly explained, including a discussion of the

conceptual or theoretical framework in which it isembedded.Clearly and briefly identify and explain the problemwithin the framework of the theory or line of inquiry,

based on the background given.


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Cont. State the problem in terms intelligible tosomeone who is generally sophisticated butwho is relatively uninformed in the area of your investigation.Effective problem statements answer thequestion Why does this research need to beconducted?

If a researcher is unable to answer thisquestion clearly and concisely, and withoutresorting to hyper speaking, then thestatement of the problem will come off asambiguous and diffuse.


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1.3 Research Objectives

# Objectives must be SMART.# These are broadly-stated statements of intent.# They highlight what the research seeks to

achieve.# Must closely relate to the research topic andshould naturally flow from the problemstatement.

# One should guard against listing too manyobjectives and

# an appropriate choice of words should be made.


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For example

To find out To design To establish To compare To evaluate To establish To determine To suggest / recommend**


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1.4. Research questions/Hypotheses

Must be closely linked to the objectives Research questions are better formulated

around respective objectives*** Questions must be relevant. Always ask the question, What do I seek to

achieve with this question? The wording of the questions must be clear

and unambiguous. Remember that there is a direct relationship

between your research objectives, researchquestions and literature review.


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Problem statement

Research Objectives

Research Questions

Literature Review

Data Collection


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Hypotheses (Optional) A proposition formulated for empirical testingto determine if it is true or false

An overriding question or main objective of the research which may be put in form of astatement or questionHypotheses are tentative answers or intelligent guesses Can be written in null or alternate form If you are interested in using hypotheses,kindly liaise with Statistics specialists


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1.5 Literature Review

The review of the literature provides the backgroundand context for the research problem. It should establishthe need for the research and indicate that the writer isknowledgeable about the area (Wiersma, 1995). Literature review shares with the reader the results of

other studies that are closely related to the study beingreported (Fraenkel & Wallen, 1990).It relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in theliterature about a topic, filling in gaps and extending prior studies (Marshall & Rossman, 1989).

It provides a framework for establishing the importanceof the study, as well as a benchmark for comparing theresults of a study with other findings.It frames the problem earlier identified.


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Cont..In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief andto the point. Be judicious in your choice of exemplars.

Demonstrate to the reader that you have acomprehensive grasp of the field and are aware of important recent substantive and methodological

developments. All work cited must be always acknowledged andreferencedUse of the Harvard System is recommended**

Internet sources should be completely acknowledged(full web address NOT just: google.com, search.cometc)**

WIKIPEDIA is NOT a refereed source its jus a compilation of peoples opinions, not editedwe DONT ACCEPT IT!!


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1.6 Research Methodology

# The methodology section is really the heartof the research proposal / final research.

# It should include :The research design, population definition,

sampling , data collection approaches,research instruments and data analysis

procedures to be used; and the justificationthereof.


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1.7 Justification/Significance/Rationale of theStudy

Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements,revisions, or extensions may have either

substantive, theoretical, or methodologicalsignificance.Think about implications i.e. how results of thestudy may affect scholarly research, theory,practice, educational interventions, curricula,counseling, policy.Justify why the research is important to theresearcher, the concerned organization / industryand / or to the public / society as a whole


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1.8 Limitations and Delimitations

A limitation is an impediment to the study.Challenges faced during the researchShould we then anticipate problems/challengesduring the proposal stage?

Limitations, when identified, should normally have aprescription of solutions devised in overcoming thechallenge.

A delimitation addresses how a study will benarrowed in scope, that is, how it is bounded.Boundaries of the researchShould be specific and justified


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1.9 Research Outline/Plan

A detailed timetable scheduling all aspectsof the research should be produced. This willinclude time taken to conduct backgroundresearch, questionnaire or interview scheduledevelopment, data collection, data analysisand report writing.May make use of the Gantt Chart SampleGant Chart.doc
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Gant%20Chart.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Gant%20Chart.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Gant%20Chart.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/releases/20121024195125/tmp/scratch_2/Sample%20Gant%20Chart.doc


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1.10 Budget

If youre applying to a funding body you need tothink about what you will need for your researchand how much this is likely to cost.

If you are a student you may not have to includethis section in your proposal, although somePromoters will want to know that you havethought carefully about what resources areneeded and from where you expect to obtainthese.


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1.11 Definition of Terms

The Researcher defines the keytechnical terms to be used (used) in theresearch

Should be contextually defined i.e. as tobe (used) in the research project e.g.

Consumer anyone who buys and/or uses

pharmaceutical products; could be a patient,drug store or the government health department.


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1.12 ReferencesOnly references cited in the text are included in thereference listInternet sources should have full web addresses and

should include the date(s) when the site(s) was / wereaccessedWE USE the Harvard Referencing style.


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The Harvard system of Referencing

In-text referencing Authors Surname & Year onlyinclude page(s) in cases of directquotations / Figures.

Author(s) name(s) [Surname first] (year), Title& Edition, Publisher, Country of Publisher

Kotler P. (1996), Marketing Planning, Control and

Implementation: 9th

Edition, Prentice-Hall, IndiaBe arranged ascending in Alphabetical order Journals should include Authors, Title, Volume,Issue Number and year of publication


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Kotler P. (1996), Marketing Management: 10 th Edition Prentice Hall, IndiaPellikka, J. and Lauronen, J. (2007) Fostering

commercialization of innovation in small hightechnology firms, International Journal of Techno-entrepreneurship , Vol. 1, No. 1,pp.92 108.Internet Sources:

http://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_ Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEA

CAAJ&redir_esc=y Accessed July 15, 2012

Referencing Examples:
http://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=yhttp://books.google.co.zw/books/about/Delivering_Quality_Service_A_Pharmaceuti.html?id=9igsLgEACAAJ&redir_esc=y


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Conclusion

If presented well and comprehensively,the research proposal becomes a usefulbackground for preparing Chapter 1 of

the final research (with minor adjustments, especially on tenses)It also becomes a background to the

whole research project


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It synthesizes pronouncements made bythe research proposal; making thetheoretical proposal practical.

Organized in interlinking chapters.While the proposal makes use of futuretenses, the final research write-up (draft

and final) should make use of PASTTENSE, the assumption being that theresearch has already been carried out


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Cont..

# Each chapter begins with an introduction andends with a conclusion, serve for Chapter 5(whose thrust is on Conclusions andRecommendations)

# It is not unusual to open chapter introductionswith some relevant witty quotations.

# The conclusion closes the chapter andinterlinks the next chapter.

# Funnel approach to writing is used.


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Chapter 1: General Introduction to theResearch

IntroductionBackground to the StudyStatement of the Problem / Problem StatementResearch ObjectivesResearch Questions

Research Proposition / Hypotheses (optional)Justification / Significance of the study

Assumptions (if any)LimitationsResearch Scope / DelimitationsDefinition of Terms

Conclusion


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Chapter 1 is an edited version of about 95%of a well-designed Research ProposalNormally recommended to make Ch. 1 write-up lastly since research objectives,questions, delimitations etc may be subject

to amendments as the research sailsthrough.Gives the impression of the whole researchso should be carefully thought of andlogically arranged.


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Chapter 2 : Literaturereview

A review of the literature is a compilation of theresearch that has been published on a topic byrecognized scholars and researchers.purpose is to convey to your reader whatknowledge and ideas have been established onthe research topic A literature review should do the following:

a) Be organized around and related to the researchquestion(s) raisedb)Synthesize results into a summary of what isand is not known.c) Identify gaps or areas of controversy in theliterature.d)Formulate questions that need further research.


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Why conduct LiteratureReview??1. Helping the researcher understand the existingbody of knowledge (BoK) including where excess

research exists (i.e. what is already known?) andwhere new research is needed (i.e. what isneeded to be known?)

2. Providing a solid theoretical foundation for theproposed study (related to what is alreadyknown?)

3. Substantiating the presence of the researchproblem (related to what is needed to beknown?)

4. Justifying the proposed study as one thatcontributes something new to the BoK


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Cont..Hart (1998) contributes additional reasons for reviewing the literature, including:distinguishing what has been done from what needsto be done,discovering important variables relevant to the topic,synthesizing and gaining a new perspective,

identifying relationships between ideas and practices,establishing the context of the topic or problem,enhancing and acquiring the subject vocabulary,

understanding the structure of the subject,relating ideas and theory to applications,


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Literature review sourcesSources most relevant for preparation ofreviews Review papers or books that survey a topic (mayindicate a dominant approach rather than what isrelevant for you)

Star papers that are repeatedly cited (may indicatea dominant approach rather than what is relevantfor you).Model papers (may also be `star papers that aredeemed exemplary within their field and mayprovide a benchmark for your own study).

Recommended literature from `experts in the field(likely to be highly selective, so be cautious).Electronic data bases (watch out, as they can beoverwhelming and incomplete)


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Forms of readingRapid scanning form an impression of the potentialrelevance of the paper high, low, doubtful or potentialSelective reading paying attention to only thosesections, chapters or pages that contain relevantmaterialTop and tailing reading of abstract, introduction andconclusion only, perhaps as a basis for deciding whether to undertake rapid scanning or close reading of theentire paper Notes/ Bibliography reading reading the references or the footnotes to gain a quick sense of where the author is `coming from. Sometimes the most revealing andinsightful points can be tucked away in the references.Close reading attentive and repeated reading.


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Important points in Ch. 2 ALL works cited must be acknowledged, otherwise it isconsidered PLAGIARISM , a serious academic crime!

Acknowledgement of authors is usually introduced byuse of words such as; Author X (19XX) says..,asserts.., argues.., postulates.., adds.., tendsto differ. etc Be creative in use of these words, avoid monotonousphrases likeAccording to.

Direct quotations should normally include pagenumbers: ..(Asser, 2012:123) For Authors work cited by another authority, quote itindirectly i.e. through the secondary source e.g.

Saunders (1990) in Garth (2000) is of the opinion that


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For works by up to three (3) Authors, the names(surnames) of all the 3 should be mentioned in the

text. NB: Take note of the plural(s)For more that three Authors, the first (principal) Author need be mentioned, followed by et al ,which means and others e.g: Sarchaz et al (2012)

propose Use relevant past Empirical StudiesTables and Diagrams (Figures) should besystematically and fully labeled (with Title, Source,including page numbers where necessary)Tables: label on top / above the tableFigures: Label beneath the Figure

This applies for all Tables/Figures throughout the researchproject


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Chapter 3: ResearchMethodologyThe methodology section is really the heart of the

research projectIt should include :The research design, population definition, sampling ,data collection approaches, research instruments and

data analysis procedures to be used.It is also important to choose a research method whichis within the limits of what the researcher can do. Time,money, feasibility, ethics and availability to measure the

phenomenon correctly are examples of issuesconstraining the research.Each aspect of Research methodology used/appliedshould be justified otherwise is considered as part of literature (hence should be acknowledged)
http://www.experiment-resources.com/ethics-in-research.htmlhttp://www.experiment-resources.com/ethics-in-research.html


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Chapter 4: Data Presentation,Analysis and Interpretation

Analyse the gathered data to extractinformation needed for decision making.Use simple statistical data analysis techniquessuch as graphs, charts, diagrams etc. ensure VARIETY!This helps to convey meaning in a simple way

which can be understood by laymen.Ensure accuracy, meaningful and appropriateinterpretation

Strictly Address Research Objectives!


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Chapter 5: Conclusions andRecommendations

Drawing a conclusion is based on several factors of the research process, not just because the researcher got the expected result. It has to be based on thevalidity and reliability of the measurement, how goodthe measurement was to reflect the real world andwhat more could have affected the results.The chapter must take a retrospective view toestablish whether the objectives of the study wereachieved

Recommendations are generally words of informedadvice directed towards the sponsors of the researchor the company one is researching onbased onliterature review and research findings.Recommendations for further research

ap er : e


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ap er : eEntrepreneurial

ThrustThe Chapter is centered on one of the keythrusts of the University Entrepreneurship!Outline and describe the business opportunities

that exist in the sector/industry/organisationunder researchMay zoom down to one entrepreneurial projectyou wish to undertake, with justificationOutline the challenges that exist, recommendinga relevant business model that could be used insuccessful running of the entrepreneurialproject.


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ReferencesEvery citation made in the body of your dissertation must appear in the list of references.(breadth of research)The reader will typically review the list of references to determine whether you haveconsulted the more prominent works in the field.Know that unlike a bibliography, which may includetitles that are not directly referred to in the text,every item in your list of references must bereferred to in the body of the thesis. The preferred

way of organizing your references is alphabeticallyby author surnameRefer to Proposals presentation for more


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Appendices

Contains materials which may otherwise interruptthe general flow of the dissertation.

The following materials are appropriate:Original scales or questionnaires. If an instrumentis copyrighted, permission in writing to reproducethe instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument.Interview protocols / Guide(s).Sample of informed consent forms.Cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders.Official letters of permission to conduct research.

Regulatory Requirements & General


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Regulatory Requirements & GeneralGuidelines

1. Title page as per given format.2. Research Supervision Acknowledgement /

Approval Form as per given format

3. Dedication4. Acknowledgements5. Table of Contents should include lists of

Tables, Figures and Appendices6. Abstract** - brief but comprehensive summary

of the research project. Should be 1 page, noparagraphs!

General presentation :


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General presentation : Font type Times New Romanfont size Font 12spacing 1,5Labeling of Figures and Tables ALL should belabeledHOW?

Page numbering Center bottom of each page fromChapter 1 (Numeric)For preliminary pages, use Roman Numerals, still onBottom centre

2 final copies (one side printing), spiral bound tobe submitted to the Department, via theassigned Supervisor

Should be signed by the Supervisor


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RESEARCH ETHICS PlagiarismPrivacy & confidentiality

Unauthorised access

Violation of the Non-DisclosureAgreementFabrication, falsification & forgery


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Important Dates 2012/3 Research ProjectCalendar

Event / Activity Date

Proposal Submission & VIVA(come along with 2 copies)

November 13, 2012

Research Project Supervisor Allocation

November 16, 2012

First Draft Project Submission May 10, 2013

Final Project Submission May 31, 2013


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Remember: Be Health-Conscious!!

Remember the NEWSTART (8 natural)DoctorsDont overwork yourself take time to rest

Drink lots of water : MashWest is generallyhot.Eat properly at consistent times

Trust in Devine PowerAlways ensure you save your work and have asmany back-ups as possible to avoidunnecessary stress & disappointments!


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Upcoming Presentations

Research Ethics

Managing your Research & Supervision

Getting the best out of your ResearchAfter the Research Project, then what?

Keep checking the Notice Board!


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THANK YOU FORBEING ATTENTIVE!!Wishing you the bestin all your endeavors!MAY YOU BE RICHLY BLESSED!

research proposal & dissertation writing

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