Reference no: EM133877712 , Length: word count:4500
Research Skills
Purpose of the assessment: Students should be able to demonstrate their achievements in the following unit learning outcomes:
a. Articulate major research methodologies and paradigms in constructing research project.
b. Design appropriate research framework in problem formulation, literature review, design, and validation of hypothesis.
c. Assemble selected research tools and methodologies that satisfy the research objectives and the design goals
Assessment: Final Research Method Design Report
Purpose:
This assessment serves as a capstone task in the Research Skills subject. It is designed to evaluate your ability to apply the concepts, techniques, and tools discussed throughout the semester to design a comprehensive research plan. The task mimics the early stages of a Master's thesis proposal and is intended to prepare you for independent research in your discipline.
You must choose a research topic relevant to your area of specialization:
Master of Business Research students: Your topic must relate to fields such as marketing, management, finance, human resources, supply chain, innovation, entrepreneurship, or other business domains.
Master of IT Research students: Your topic should relate to IT domains such as cybersecurity, data analytics, AI and machine learning, system design, information systems, software development, digital transformation, or blockchain, among others. Hire best assignment help and experienced tutors now!
Report Structure & Guidelines:
Your Research Method Design Report must be clearly structured into the following sections. Each section contributes to your final grade. Submit the report (4500 words) on Moodle.
1. Title Page and Abstract
A concise, informative, and discipline-specific title
An abstract (200-250 words) that summarizes the research aim, rationale, methodology, and anticipated outcomes
2. Introduction and Research Problem Definition
Background of the study: Contextual information to introduce the topic
Statement of the research problem: What issue or gap in knowledge are you addressing?
Research objectives and aim: Clear, actionable, and relevant to your field
Justification of the topic: Why is this research important? Who will benefit?
3. Systematic Literature Review
Thematic structure (not just a list of articles): Categorize literature into themes
Analysis and synthesis: Compare and contrast findings across key studies
Identify knowledge gaps: What is missing or under-researched?
Use at least 10-12 peer-reviewed academic sources (with a strong preference for publications from the last 5 years)
4. Research Questions, Hypotheses and Objectives
Formulate clearly defined research questions
Hypotheses (if applicable): Based on your literature findings, develop logical and testable hypotheses
Develop 3-4 Research Objectives
5. Research Methodology and Design
This is the most critical part of your report and must include:
-Research paradigm: Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods - and justification
-Research design: Exploratory, descriptive, correlational, or experimental
-Data collection methods: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, content analysis, case studies, etc.
-Sampling technique and population: Describe the participants/respondents and how they will be selected (e.g., purposive sampling, stratified sampling, etc.)
-Instrumentation: Provide sample survey questions or interview guidelines in an appendix
-Data analysis plan: Explain what techniques/software/tools you will use (e.g., thematic coding, regression analysis, SPSS, NVivo)
-Feasibility and timelines: Provide a realistic timeline of tasks over a semester or year
6. Ethical Considerations and Data Security
Identify any ethical concerns (e.g., participant consent, privacy, use of data)
Describe how you will address ethical risks
7. Conclusion and Limitations
Summarize key points of your research design
Identify any foreseeable limitations and how you plan to mitigate them
8. References (APA 7th Edition or IEEE)
Include all in-text citations and references in correct APA 7th or IEEE style
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and academic integrity
9. Appendices
Literature review matrix
Survey/interview questions
Any charts, graphs, or additional tools/templates