Overview
Please read the assignment guidelines carefully. Follow the required format and structure of the research proposal paper to avoid omitting important details.
This assessment introduces the formal research proposal processes to strengthen the research skills relevant to your academic and professional development. This is an individual assessment (assignment) of 3000 words, weighted at 75%, to be submitted at the end of the term. Proper citation of sources needs to be established using the Harvard referencing style. The reference list should be presented on a separate page at the end of the paper.
Also, the AI declaration form with your name and signature should be attached separately after the reference list.
Select a topic to submit for approval in week 6 before starting on the selected topic or title. Avoid duplication of topic selection to minimise and avoid the possibility of a high similarity rate. Choose a topic that is aligned with your area of specialisation. In changing the topic, inform your research supervisor (tutor) no later than the 7th week and get approval for the new topic. Start working on the topic after approval. Updates of the paper shall be checked every week/session until submission. Follow the structure and contents of the Research Proposal as shown below.
1. Introduction. (150 words)
▪ Write a brief but substantial background and description of the chosen topic
▪ Cite certain scenarios or conditions that necessitate an inquiry or investigation on the selected topic. Highlight the reasons that prompted you to take on the topic.
2. Statement of Research Problem. (200 words)
▪ Write the general problem statement in a short paragraph based on the topic or research idea. ▪ Formulate a minimum of 2 and 4 maximum research questions anchored on the problem statement. The specific research questions should be presented below the problem statement paragraph.
▪ The research question should consider the H and Ws aligned to the research objectives. 3. Research Objectives. (250 words)
▪ A brief paragraph stating the main focus of the proposed study should be made.
▪ Research objectives should be aligned with the research questions.
▪ Objectives should be specific to give clear answers to the research problem/s.
▪ At least 2 and 4 maximum research objectives should be considered.
4. Related Literature. (500 words)
▪ Prepare a short paragraph indicating the contents of the section.
▪ Literature reviews should focus on or be anchored on the research objectives, research questions, and the title.
▪ Use different sources of information for the related literature (i.e., Journals, books, e-books, websites & other relevant secondary sources).
▪ Follow the sequence of the research objectives/questions as presented in the previous section. ▪ Cite properly the source of the information/data using the proper format (i.e., author’s last name, year of publication)
▪ Citation could be at the beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph where appropriate. ▪ Summarise or paraphrase the literature but maintain the main idea/s of the author
▪ Use appropriate transitions or connecting words to maintain coherence and logical presentation of the related literature.
▪ Show the connection of the related literature to the proposed study.
5. Research Philosophy. (300 words)
▪ Prepare a short paragraph indicating the contents of the section.
▪ Clearly state the research philosophy to be followed in the proposed research
▪ Explain the basis of the research philosophy as applied in the proposed study.
6. Research Methodology. (300 words)
▪ Prepare a short paragraph indicating the contents of the section
▪ Use the future tense (will form).
▪ Write a short statement about this section before presenting the subheadings.
▪ Critically discuss the essence and significance of the methodology in the proposed study. o Research Design and Strategy. (200 words)
o Describe briefly the research design and strategy for conducting the study.
o Participants of the Study. (200 words)
o Describe briefly the participants in case a survey-type study is to be conducted; otherwise, qualify the sources of information.
o Data Collection. (200 words)
o Explain and justify the data collection technique to apply.
o Statistical Analysis. (200 words)
o Discuss the statistical analysis tools to use in analysing the data and information.
7. Ethical Consideration. (300 words).
▪ Discuss the actions and procedures undertaken to maintain the integrity and safeguard the rights of the sources of information
▪ Be specific about the actions taken to protect and maintain the integrity of the information. 8. Conclusion. (200 Words).
▪ Highlight the main points mentioned in each section of the paper.
▪ No need for citations in this section
▪ Write the number of words right below the conclusion.
9. References
▪ Use at least10 varied sources of information following the standard format (Harvard)
▪ Use recent editions of sources (i.e. 2018 onwards)
▪ Presented in a separate page
10. Insert the AI Declaration Form after the reference list in a separate section with your signature over the printed name.