EBM2273 Research Methodology for Business (AP Dr Kartinah Ayupp)
FORMAT FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1. Introduction
This subsection shows the flow of chapter 1 and how each subsection connects to each
other. Firstly, state objectives of the study, followed by brief discussion of the sections
and lastly highlight importance of this chapter to the readers. This sub-section should
be about one paragraph only.
1.2. Background of the Study
This sub-section should give a holistic overview of the field of study that you want to
pursue, i.e., discussion of the general concepts from macro perspectives.
1.3. Problem Statement
Discussion of the study’s focus from a micro perspective. Try to convince readers of
the importance of the research by emphasizing the gap in the field. The focus should be
on the issues/problems faced in the business setting. You can highlight the trend of the
problems, what have been done before but still not able to solve/ reduce these business
problems/gaps/issues. The angle can also be from be from theoretical, empirical,
practical and/or methodological perspectives BUT main focus is on the business
perspective.
1.4. Research Objectives
Focus on how to address the major gaps/issues/problems highlighted in section 1.3. The
write-up should be from general to specific objectives.
1.5. Research Questions
Focus on the type of questions that can answer the research objectives. The questions
must be measurable and of sufficient scope so they can be developed into a research
report.
1.6. Significance of the Study
Focus on how the study will contribute to field (theoretical perspective) and who will
benefit from it (practical perspective).
1.7. Scope of the Study
It identifies, in general, what are the things that will be covered in the study in terms of
the what, who, where, how and when/duration.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1. Introduction
Briefly discuss the relevant sections, and then highlight the importance of this chapter
to the readers –one paragraph only.
This chapter should cover, at least, 4 important aspects:
2.2 Start with Broad Concepts: Define and critically review the important key themes,
concepts/variables within your research focus/field of study.
2.3. Underpinning Theories: Identification and discussion of the key theories in this field.
Compare their operationality, dimension, issues, similarities/differences, etc.
2.4.Conceptual Framework: Graphically depict the Conceptual Framework
adopted/adapted for this study. Discuss the variables, their relationship and the source
of theories that they are adopted from. Justify your choice and provide research findings
to support your framework.
EBM2273 Research Methodology for Business (AP Dr Kartinah Ayupp)
2.5.Hypotheses Development: State each hypothesis in a concise and testable statement
so that relationships between variables are clearly identified. Then give explanation and
rationale for each of your hypotheses.
Chapter 3: Methodology
3.1. Introduction
Briefly discuss the relevant sections in the chapter, follow by the importance of this this
chapter to the readers – one paragraph only.
3.2. Research Design
Discuss holistically, the method that is being used to collect, measure and analyze the
data. For instant, the study could be either be quantitative, qualitative or mixed method.
This section should also include the purpose of the study (e.g., whether exploratory,
causal, descriptive etc.), the time horizon (whether longitudinal or cross-sectional) and
other related methodological choices. Most importantly, justify the choice of the
research design adopted.
3.3.Population and Sampling Procedures
Firstly, identify the population for this study, and then explain the sampling methods
use to ensure the representative of the population. This includes identifying the
sampling frame, sample size, sampling techniques, unit of analysis etc.
3.4. Instrument Development
The procedure and approach in the development of the research instrument, including
its constructs.
3.5.Data Collection
Identify the sources and methods of obtaining the data, both primary and secondary
sources.
3.6. Data Tabulation and Testing
Approach in data preparation includes steps in entering and transforming the data used.
This is follows by the methods and measurement scales used to determine the validity
and reliability of the data.
3.7.Data Analysis
Discussion of the types of analysis methods used to test the hypotheses or research
questions.
References
Appendices