BM4200 Research Project Coursework Assessment Brief 2024-25 | UCLan

BM4200 The Brief/Instructions

The first assessment is a research proposal in which you will choose your own research topic related to Business and Management. 

You are expected to write a research proposal report addressing the key points outlined below. 

Format: 

• The report must be 3,000 words (plus or minus 10%) excluding references/bibliography.
• Use a minimum of 10 academic sources.
• Properly format and reference your report using the Harvard referencing system. 

BM4200 The task 

Research Topic 

• Identify and introduce the research topic you wish to explore within the field of Business and Management.
• Ensure the topic is relevant to contemporary issues, trends, or gaps in this field. 

Research Problem 

• Clearly state the research problem or question your proposal seeks to address. 
• Explain the importance of this problem in the context of Business and Management. 

Research Objectives 

• Develop clear and focused research objectives that guide your research. 
• These objectives should align with the research problem and be relevant to Business and Management. 

Literature Review 

• Provide a concise review of key academic literature related to your chosen topic. 
• Highlight major theories, models, or studies and identify gaps in the literature that your research will address. 

Research Philosophy 

• Define and justify the research philosophy underpinning your study (e.g., positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, etc.).
• Explain how this philosophy aligns with your research problem and methodology. 

Research Methodology 

Describe your proposed primary research methodology, including: 

• Types of data to be collected (e.g., surveys, interviews, case studies, etc.). 
• Data sources and sampling approach. 
• Justification for the chosen methodology, comparing it with alternative approaches, and addressing validity and reliability. 

Research Design and Timeline 

• Outline your research process, including key stages. 
• Present a timeline detailing how you will complete the research within the given timeframe. 

Expected Outcomes and Significance 

• Discuss the expected findings and the potential significance of your research. 
• Explain how your research could contribute to theory, practice, or policy in the field of Business and Management. 

Conclusion