RESEARCH PROJECT FORMAT FOR
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMME
BOWEN UNIVERSITY, IWO. NIGERIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
This should give an expository insight into the topic of the research with careful explanations
of the variables of the study. The paragraphs should connect logically with proper in-text
referencing of the authors cited.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The major problem that the research set out to solve should be explained here, vividly
identifying the gap in the literature in a concise form. However, this section should not be too
lengthy. Research questions should be culled logically from this section which will lead to
the specific objectives of the study.
1.3 Research Questions
This section should comprise the research questions raised from the problems discussed in
section 1.2 above. These questions should align with your specific research objectives.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
This section should comprise of the broad (overall or general) objective and the specific
objectives. However, the specific objectives should be transformed into the research
questions of the study.
1.5 Research Hypothesis: Stated in the null form only
For example: H0: learning and development do not have a statistically significant influence
on performance.
1.6 Significance/Justification of the Study
This should explain the reason for the research and specific bodies that will benefit from the
study such as: policy makers, government, the organization under investigation, academia,
the field of research, the researcher and others.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This section explains the coverage of the study in terms of geography, time frame and
organization
1.8 Definition of Operational Terms
Terms that are intended to be used in the study should be defined here. Please note, these
definitions should explain what these terms mean in the study and not their generally known
meaning.
In the alternative, if your definitions are not different from the conventional ones, then use
“Definition of Terms” instead.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Conceptual Review
All concepts relating to the research work are explained sequentially and logically here.
2.2 Theoretical Review
All theories relating to the research work are explained sequentially and logically here.
Only theories on which the research will be anchored are explained sequentially and logically
here. These theories should be identified and discussed succinctly. Students should logically
discuss these theories and the implications they have on their variables.
2.3 Empirical Review
Research works carried out in relation to the proposed research are reviewed in this section
where only the objective, methodology and findings of such works are explained in short
paragraphs in the order prescribed by the supervisor.
2.3.1 Empirical Review of the First Objective
2.3.2 Empirical Review of the second objective
This numbering should continue for all the objectives of the study.
2.3.3 Summary of Empirical Review
The findings of the works reviewed above are summarised identifying a unique gap and
taking a logical stand.
2.3.4 Gap in Literature
The gaps identified in literature from the review of empirical works are explained which form
the basis of the research.
2.4 Conceptual Framework
The students are expected to present a schematic diagram showing the relationship and
interconnectivity between the variables. This diagram must be explained succinctly.
Moreover, all proxies/parameters/measures used to represent the variables must be shown in
the diagram and explained.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique
3.5 Sources of Data Collection
3.6 Method of Data Collection
3.7 Reliability and Validation of Research Instrument
3.8 Measurement of Variables
Parameters that will be used in measuring the variables of the study should be explained here.
3.9 Data Analysis Technique
The technique that will be adopted for data analysis shall include both the use of descriptive
statistics (percentages, means, standard deviation, mode, Jarque Bera test, median among
others) and inferential statistics (chi-square, regression, correlations, t-test, z-test, ANOVA
among others).
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1 Presentation of Respondents’ Demographic Data
4.2 Presentation and Analysis Based on Research Objectives
4.3 Hypothesis Testing
4.4 Discussion of Findings
Basic findings of the study must be discussed here logically following the order of the
specific objectives.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendation
5.4 Contribution to Knowledge
5.5 Suggestion for Further Studies
BIBLIOGRAPHY
This should be done in line with APA 7th Edition of referencing. See APA guideline for more
information.
APPENDIX
This consists of questionnaires, reports, secondary data used etc. as listed below.
Questionnaire
Reports
Secondary Data Used (if any)
Note: Referencing should be in APA style latest edition (7th Edition). In-text referencing
should follow the same style.
ABSTRACT
This should be in four paragraphs;
1. Objectives (overall and Specific objectives)
2. Methodology (source of data, method of data collection, population and sample size,
method of analysis).
3. Findings by objectives (concise and logical).
4. Conclusion.
Data should be analysed using statistical software packages available like SPSS, STATA, E
Views among others. This should analyse the data using both descriptive (tables, charts,
mean, SD, mode, median among others) and inferential statistics (regression, correlation,
ANOVA, Chi-Square, F-test, T-test among others). The Times New Roman font should be
used with size 12.
Please find below samples for the cover page, certification and authorisation.
PROJECT TITLE
BY
Surname, other names
(Matric Number)
A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
PROGRAMME, COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES,
BOWEN UNIVERSITY, IWO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.) DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Year
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that this project work was carried out and written by your name
(Matriculation number) under my supervision in Business Administration programme,
College of Management and Social Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State during the
……… academic session.
---------------------------------SUPERVISOR
----------------------------DATE
---------------------------------Programme Coordinator
----------------------------------DATE
AUTHORISATION
I, your name hereby authorize Timothy Olagbemiro Library to grant all users access to this
work for educational purposes only.
-----------------------------------Signature and Date