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RM501

ESAMI EXECUTIVE MBA

RM501 RESEARCH METHODS

PROJECT

1. Consider the business environment of your organisation or any other organisation

familiar to you. Make a careful observation of the business and/or organisational

problems/issues in the organisation and generate a research idea using known techniques;

or alternatively, identify a broad research area.

2. Refine your research idea or broad area using known techniques including a

comprehensive literature review and Delphi methods.

3. Write down the problem statement starting with a general focus research question, and

then explain and explore it further. Your general focus research question should be

followed with several specific research questions (not exceeding five). Name the problem

and discus it further: what exactly is the problem? Why is it a problem? What facets arethere to it? What has been done to address it before, if anything, and why is that not

satisfactory? Write down the purpose statement as part of your problem statement.

4. Write down your research objectives (not exceeding five). These are the specific issues

within the scope of your purpose statement that you want to focus on and examine in

your study. Write down each objective and explain each one of them so that the reader

can understand exactly what you mean.

5. Write down your hypothesis (or hypotheses if there are several variables) for testing.

Make sure that there is a clear link between the hypothesis and your problem statement

and research objectives.

6. Write a detailed research proposal making sure it includes a cleartitle and sections on:

The introduction to your research, giving the background,

defining the problem (problem statement), stating the purpose ofthe study, research objectives, hypotheses, and state why the

research if of significance;

The literature review. Give a critical analysis of major research

studies already conducted and other key contributions relatingthem to, and making a case for your research.

Yourtheoretical or conceptual framework. State the theories

and assumptions you are using. Should follow logically from theliterature review and introduction chapter.

The method you intend to use. Demonstrate how you will answer

the research questions. Explain why you have selected your

research design(s), methodology, data collection methods, anddata analysis methods. State any weaknesses in the design and

how you intend to cope with them.

Lecturer: Prof. J. Mumba, Ph.D.

Email: josephmumba@yahoo.com

7/28/2019 17. RM501 Project

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The timescale for your research.

The resources you require, e.g. research staff, skills, equipment,

computers and computer software packages, vehicles, budgets,

research permits, etc.

References to any literature to which you have referred, using the

Harvard system. Appendix ofquestionnaire(s) and interview checklists (if

applicable).

7. Submit a neatly typed and bound copy of your research proposal to your tutor at

the start of the next quarter. Length: 15-20 pages.

Lecturer: Prof. J. Mumba, Ph.D.Email: josephmumba@yahoo.com

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