You are required to submit a final year proposal document (3,000 words) that outlines the purpose of the research, the theoretical framework, preliminary literature

review, research methodology, sources of data, methods of collection and analysis, the expected timetable and outcome of your research. This should be submitted on

Thursday 11th December 2014.

Assessment Criteria:

Students at this level will be assessed on their ability to:
Formulate a convincing proposal with research questions or a hypothesis.
Identify the limitations of the research proposed.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of existing theory, previous research and their assumptions.
Critically evaluate and justify their research, methodology, proposed sources of data, methods of collection and analysis.
Produce a plan and timetable.
Correctly apply referencing conventions
Anticipate limitations their research

Suggested Format for Proposal

Abstract or Executive Summary
Identification of the research question, issue or problem and its context
Research objectives
Sources of data – key journals
Initial review of relevant literature
Proposed research methodology – how you will evaluate and present your research from the sources used
Research Plan
Bibliography

Recommended Texts and Resources:

Apart from textbooks about research and your chosen area of interest your most important resource will be research written up in academic journals. Many of these in

the management field are practice based and provide different approaches and viewpoints on how management issues are addressed. It is therefore vital that you know how

to access and search for relevant articles in the library electronic databases e.g. Journals A-Z, Emerald and Business Source Complete. There are journals dedicated to

every conceivable theme; not just marketing, finance and management but all aspects of management e.g. gender, small business, innovation etc. You need to develop the

patience and awareness of how to search for these.  I will spend time with you in the first semester showing what can be found and how based on the interests you have.
Essential Book
Wilson, J (2014), Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to Doing Your Research Project   2nd Edition, London: Sage

Useful Books
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2010) Business Research Methods. 3rd edition Oxford: Oxford University Press
Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2009). Business Research. 3rd editon,  Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Cottrell, S. (2005) Critical Thinking Skills – developing effective analysis and argument   Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Flick, U. (2014) An Introduction to Qualitative Research 5th Edition, London: Sage.
Fox, D., Gouthro,M.,  Morakabati , M. and Brackstone,J .  (2014)Doing Events Research: from theory to practice, New York: Routledge. (available as an ebook)
Gray, D. (2014), Doing Research in the Real World 3rd Edition, London: Sage. (2009 edition available as an e book from library)
Saunders, M., Lewis, P and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students 5th Edition, London: Pitman (available through Dawsonera)
White, B. (2000), Dissertation skills for business and management students, London: Continuum